Simple measures, better lives: Building a new market provides economic opportunities for women and youth in the host community of Kigoma, Tanzania.

• Author: Seltier, Evelyn
• Position: ITC IN ACTION

When asked about their hopes and dreams, women and youth in Tanzania's north-western province give very similar and straightforward answers: they want to provide for their families and send their children to school.

But life in Kasulu Town is not easy. And these necessities are not a given.

'Sometimes it is challenging. It depends on the day. I might only sell half a litre bag and get 500 shilling ($0.22), or I might sell one litre and get 1,000 shilling ($0.43),' says Paulina Abosi, who sells rounded potatoes at Sofya Market.

Selling agriculture produce is a lifesaver for many women and young people in Kigoma.

'Selling cassava flour helps me sustain my family's basic needs, even paying the school fees,' explains Ashura Maparara, an entrepreneur at Sofya Market.

Lack of infrastructure hinders access to markets

But the local farmers' biggest challenge is the absence of infrastructure. The solution? Building a new market that improves the business environment for 1, 120 women and youth, offering a proper work environment for selling their agricultural products.

'Sofya market is one of the biggest markets in the Kasulu district. It serves a lot of people,' says Adili Charles Mlowe, district coordinator of Kasulu Town Council and planning officer of Sofya Markets.

One of the five planned sheds is up and running, which means some sellers are already enjoying the improved working conditions. ITC has been supporting the Kasulu Town Council in building the sheds to protect women and youth against weather conditions and prevent product damages.

'Selling on the ground means produce is exposed to dirt, so it is difficult to maintain good quality,' says Mlowe.

Paulina is content with the new conditions: 'My potatoes used to get dry when they were exposed to the sun all day. When it rained, they got...