Same, Kilimanjaro Region – July 5, 2024: Godbless Lema, the Chairman of the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) for the Northern Zone, has highlighted the economic plight of Same District despite its abundant production of ginger. Lema lamented that local farmers continue to struggle economically due to the lack of a stable market for their produce.
Speaking at a public rally of the party today, Friday, July 5, 2024, in Operation +255 in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, Lema pointed out that while ginger is sold for $12 (approx. Sh31,200) per gallon in the United States, the absence of viable markets has deprived Same’s residents, who are the main cultivators, of reaping its benefits.
Lema further emphasized that the district faces severe developmental challenges, including inadequate road infrastructure, clean water access, and reliable electricity supply.
In detailing the local situation, Lema revealed that some farmers in the district have resorted to abandoning ginger crops in their fields due to low prices. He stressed that ginger has the potential to significantly boost both individual and district economies, citing its high demand and diverse uses abroad, not only as a culinary spice but also in pharmaceuticals for treating chronic ailments like cancer.
“Your economic situation is dire despite your large-scale ginger farming. I visited Same East where farmers are distressed over the ginger market… They leave ginger underground because the prices are low. Ginger could transform Same’s economy more effectively than wheat because of its multiple uses, not just as a spice but also as medicinal treatments. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, people were advised to use ginger. If we prioritize ginger farming, no young person would need to migrate to towns to ride motorcycles,” Lema remarked.
He underscored the importance of agricultural knowledge in fostering economic growth, criticizing current legislators for their purported ignorance of ginger’s economic significance in improving the livelihoods of local communities.
Meanwhile, Freeman Mbowe, the National Chairman of Chadema, outlined the party’s preparations for the upcoming local elections this year and the general elections in 2025. He expressed the party’s ambition to secure victories in all nine electoral constituencies in Kilimanjaro Region.
“In 2015, Kilimanjaro made a decisive choice where Chadema won seven out of nine constituencies and CCM won two. Now, with great confidence, we are returning to the field to ensure our counterparts in Same do not revert to supporting CCM. In the next election, we aim to win all nine seats,” Mbowe declared.
He highlighted the strategic focus on Same District, which comprises two constituencies: Same East and Same West, with concerted efforts to secure victories in both areas.
Chadema is currently undertaking a special Operation +255 tour in the Northern Zone, covering Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, and Tanga regions. In Kilimanjaro Region, the party plans to hold meetings in all six districts of the region.
