Joseph Isangura
In a decisive ruling that highlights the challenges of transparency in Tanzania’s agricultural sector, a cooperative secretary in Simiyu Region has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for embezzling funds meant for a local cotton farmer.
Masanja Mboje, 36, who served as the secretary of the Gula Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS), was convicted by the Maswa District Court for misappropriating TSh 3.5 million (roughly $1,350 USD). The money was intended for Edward Mathias, a small-scale farmer who had supplied his harvest through the cooperative.
The case — registered as Economic Crime No. 196/2025 — was heard before Resident Magistrate Azizi Khamis, with prosecution led by State Attorney Bahati Kulwa.
According to court records, Mboje had been given sole authority to manage cotton purchases in the Gula area. But instead of paying the farmer, he diverted the funds for his personal expenses. The court described his actions as a clear act of economic sabotage, which is considered a serious criminal offense under Tanzanian law.
“The accused betrayed both his position and the community he was supposed to serve,” said Magistrate Khamis during sentencing. “Such violations deeply damage public trust and weaken our agricultural economy.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Mboje was ordered to fully reimburse the stolen amount to the farmer.
The ruling has brought mixed emotions among residents in Maswa District, many of whom rely on AMCOS organizations to sell their produce. Some expressed relief that justice had been served, while others pointed to ongoing concerns about weak accountability and frequent misuse of funds within Tanzania’s cooperative system.
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“I’m glad the court took this seriously,” said James Nyamichele, a cotton farmer in the area. “But how many others are out there doing the same thing and getting away with it?”
Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) are widely used in Tanzania as a platform for rural farmers to access markets, share resources, and negotiate better prices. However, corruption in Tanzania remains a persistent challenge, particularly in decentralized structures like farmer cooperatives.
The Ministry of Agriculture has promised reforms, including more frequent audits, digital payment systems, and better training for cooperative leaders to restore credibility and protect farmers from exploitation.
Legal analysts say this ruling could serve as a warning to other public officials. Dr. Zainabu Ndunguru, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, noted:
“When leaders entrusted with farmers’ livelihoods choose greed over duty, it’s not just theft — it’s a betrayal of a national cause.”
Mboje’s conviction also raises questions about how Tanzania will balance growing investment in agriculture with the need for stronger checks and balances. As the country ramps up efforts to modernize farming under the Agriculture Sector Development Programme (ASDP), ensuring that smallholder farmers are not left vulnerable is becoming increasingly urgent.
