The Tanzanian government has unveiled a new initiative to expand markets and introduce modern technology to support grasshopper traders, especially in the Kagera Region.
Through the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO), working together with the Commission for Science and Technology (Costech) and the Vocational Education and Training Authority (Veta), the government has been carrying out research aimed at modernising the grasshopper business.
The goal is to turn the traditionally informal activity into a well-organised, profitable, and sustainable industry.
Grasshopper trading is an important source of income for many communities in Kagera, where the insects are widely consumed as food and sold locally and across borders.
However, the sector has long faced challenges such as poor processing methods, limited storage facilities, lack of technology, and restricted access to wider markets.
Under the new programme, traders will receive technical training on improved harvesting, processing, packaging, and storage methods.
Veta will support skills development, while Costech will guide research and innovation to ensure quality standards and food safety. SIDO will help small-scale traders and processors access modern equipment and link them to markets.
The government says the initiative is also expected to create jobs, increase household incomes, and promote value addition, especially among youth and women. By improving quality and consistency, Tanzania aims to position grasshopper products for both domestic and regional markets.
Officials noted that the programme is part of broader efforts to support small industries, promote agribusiness, and strengthen local value chains using science, technology, and skills development.
If successfully implemented, the project could transform grasshopper trading from a seasonal activity into a reliable commercial enterprise that contributes to economic growth in the region.
