Improved Cinnamon Processing Increases Income
In Zirai Ward, home of the Seshundi Harvesting group, opportunities for youth are limited and work is only available when individual farmers need help. Made up of ten youth, including seven men and three women, the group had long worked together harvesting cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper, but lacked strong skills in proper harvesting or quality processing. They were eager to improve but weren’t sure how to enhance the quality to take advantage of better pay opportunities.
One youth member said, “Before the training, we were harvesting, but we knew we were not doing it the right way. We did not understand proper preparation and processing, and that made returns very small.”
They connected with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) through a local agricultural extension officer who encouraged them to attend training on post-harvest handling. With this support, the group learned to harvest and process cinnamon using the cigar method. Cigar type cinnamon requires more work, but it is also of greater value, selling for about $3.40/KG while ordinary cinnamon sells for $1.33/KG.
After training, the group received a ten-kilogram order of cigar type cinnamon from a local company. Ater successfully meeting the customer’s requirements, the order was expanded to 125 kilograms. However, they struggled with working capital, so they could not supply the full amount immediately. The customer contacted the extension officer, who assured them that, with support, the group could prepare the full amount. With this assurance, the group was provided with funds to buy raw cinnamon sticks from farmers and they were able to successfully complete the full order.
By helping youth groups build capacity and access capital, the program strengthens the wider cinnamon value chain and increases household opportunities across the community. Today, the Seshundi Youth Group is no longer limited to harvesting for individual farmers with low returns. They can now do business by producing cinnamon for specific buyers using the cigar method. They have also proven they can meet real market demand.
“We used to harvest and process without confidence. Now that we understand the methods, we can deliver what buyers need, and we feel proud and hopeful for better income.”
Tanzania Muheza Same is led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS)