Brewing Change: The Rise of Women in Tanzania's Specialty Tea Revolution

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Women organic tea pluckers seated for an event. CARE International


In the hills of Bungu, where tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, sits the SAKARE Specialty Tea Factory—the first-ever speciality tea demo factory in Tanzania. This milestone marked the beginning of a remarkable journey aiming to bridge not just the gap of gender roles but also the technological and market divides that have long dominated the landscape for smallholder tea farmers in Bungu. SAKARE Specialty Tea Factory emerges as a beacon of change, and against the odds, it boasts a workforce where women play a predominant role.

 

At the production level, women like Hobokeza Moyo stand as exemplars of dedication and transformation. They turn their tea farm plots into organic havens, anticipating a remarkable 23% increase in income compared to conventional green leaf prices. Hobokeza’s optimism is infectious as she shares, “Even though we are yet to sell to Sakare Specialty Tea Company, we expect to sell at $0.18 per kg. Apart from that, we expect our plucking to double the frequency, leading to a boost in income.”

 

Sauda Waziri, among the women at the plucking level, finds empowerment in her new role as an organic tea plucker. The twofold increase in income and the assurance of consistent employment become the pillars of support for these women, transforming them into the backbone of their households. Sauda reflects on her journey, contrasting her past earnings at Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (MeTL) and the current assurance she has with Sakare Speciality Tea Company (SSTC).


Latifa plucking the tea lives in Bungu. CARE International


 

The odyssey continues into the processing level, where women like Latifa Abdulrahman defy cultural norms to become processors at Sakare Speciality Tea Company. Their dedication to mastering the intricacies of speciality tea processing not only exposes them to technology but also ensures a stable income. Latifa’s story, a testament to breaking stereotypes, underlines the crucial role played by gender equality training in fostering support from her husband. “In our culture, this work is for men, but I challenged myself to grow in this career with the support from my husband,” said Latifa.

 

At the blending and packaging level, through CARE’s partner, Kazi Yetu Limited, more women find employment, contributing to the final stages of the tea-making journey. Mwasiti Makau expresses gratitude for the opportunities at Kazi Yetu, where women transition from casual to permanent full-time contracts, and lives undergo significant positive changes.

 

Women, employed at Kazi Yetu, packaging refined tea leaves. CARE International


Establishing the SAKARE Speciality Tea Factory in Bungu marks a transformative initiative to bridge gender roles, technological gaps, and market divides for smallholder tea farmers. The success story unfolds through the dedication of women at various levels from organic farming to processing, showcasing increased income, economic independence, and a shift in traditional norms, facilitated by collaborative efforts from CARE Tanzania, the Government of Tanzania, and Implementing partners. 

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