From Morogoro to the Lake Zone
The Mkulima Awards were conceived as a comprehensive platform to honour the tireless efforts of diverse stakeholders across Tanzania's agricultural value chain — from innovative smallholder practices to large-scale agribusiness leadership.
For three consecutive editions from 2021 to 2023, the awards were hosted as part of the Kilimo Marathon in the Morogoro Region, building a proven track record and national credibility. Organised by Shambadunia Limited, the programme now enters its boldest chapter yet.
A New Model: Zonal Awards → The Ultimate Stage
Zonal Awards — Lake Zone Edition, Simiyu
Instead of one distant gala, the Mkulima Awards now travel to the farmers. The 2026 season is dedicated entirely to Kanda ya Ziwa — Mwanza, Simiyu, Shinyanga, Geita, Mara and Kagera. Nominations, judging, public voting and the ceremony itself all happen in and for the zone, hosted in Simiyu on World Food Day. It is a complete, independent event with its own winners and its own night of glory.
The Ultimate Mkulima Awards — Dar es Salaam
The following year, the movement culminates in the Ultimate Mkulima Awards in Dar es Salaam — the national grand finale where zonal champions from across Tanzania are celebrated on the country's biggest stage. The zonal editions and the Ultimate Awards are independent events, each complete in itself — but together they form one coherent journey for Tanzanian agriculture.
The Journey
First Edition
Born at the Kilimo Marathon, Morogoro — recognising Tanzania's farming excellence.
National Credibility
The second edition grows with national sponsors, banks and institutions on stage.
Community Champions
The third edition cements the awards as Tanzania's premier agri-recognition.
Lake Zone Edition
The zonal era begins: six regions, 45+ categories, Simiyu on World Food Day.
The Six Regions of Kanda ya Ziwa
The Lake Zone is Tanzania's agricultural powerhouse — cotton country, Africa's largest lake fishery, and home to millions of smallholder families. Each region sends a formal delegation to Simiyu and competes for its own Regional Special Award.
Mwanza
The zone's commercial hub — Lake Victoria fisheries, rice, horticulture and agro-processing.
Simiyu (Host)
Heart of the cotton belt — cotton, livestock, sorghum and a rising horticulture sector.
Shinyanga
Cotton, rice and livestock country with a deep cooperative tradition.
Geita
Fast-growing producer of cassava, maize, beans and lake fisheries.
Mara
Fisheries, organic cotton, sorghum and cross-border agri-trade.
Kagera
Coffee, bananas, tea and vanilla on the western shores of the lake.
The Road Ahead
Lake Zone Edition — Simiyu, October 16, World Food Day. The zonal era begins.
The Ultimate Mkulima Awards, Dar es Salaam — zonal champions on the national stage.
More zonal editions travel to the Southern Highlands, Central, Northern and Coastal zones.
A permanent national institution — every zone, every farmer, one movement.
“Kilimo ni Biashara. Kilimo ni Ustawi. Kilimo ni Mustakabali wa Kanda ya Ziwa.”
Farming is Business. Farming is Prosperity. Farming is the Future of the Lake Zone.