Tanzania: Erick Mbebati, Timber Businessman
Erick Mbebati is from Matembwe village in Njombe Region, Tanzania. Your support has enabled him to become a timber businessman.
Erick used to be a farmer but his yields were low leading to low income. He did not have enough capital to invest in agricultural inputs and like many youth living in rural areas, he had difficutlies in finding a job.
Everything changed in May 2018 when the Timber Market Centre started to operate in the village. Matembe’s Tree Growers Association (UWAMIMA) manages the Market Centre with the support of FFD and the expertise of Päijät-Häme forestry association.
The market started operating to increase smallholder tree grower’s income by selling their timber and timber products through the Market Centre. In the first 8 months, farmers’ income rose by 10% even when the political stability and policies governing the timber business were not favourable. The Market Centre has exceeded all expectations with its economic growth and job creation.
Like Erick, 35 other young people from the village were employed as casual workers. Currently, 50 youth are employed as casual workers in loading and unloading, sorting, piling and drying timber. In addition, 5 people are employed full-time by UWAMIMA.
Erick Mbebati in the Matembe Market Centre
Azam News report from the Matembe wood market in Njombe, Tanzania, explaining the benefits and challenges of being a forester and farmer and wood trader in the region. FFD and UWAMIMA are in cooperation in Tanzania.
Later that year, Erick joined UWAMIMA and is now benefiting from other UWAMIMA services like bookkeeping, product diversification, briquette making and business management. Furthermore, to increase the capacity of members, UWAMIMA developed a revolving fund scheme. Members can borrow money at a low interest rate, use it within one month and return the money to UWAMIMA. Erick is taking every opportunity that the project and the market are bringing to him.
More rural people are joining the business. Services are being developed to assist the users of the market like buyers, sellers, workers and carriers. Roadside stalls are also increasing in the area and becoming a source of income.
Due to your support, the market centre is promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all (SDG-8). Many other stakeholders are looking at replicating the model in their own areas and regions.