The Cotton Development Trust Fund (CDTF) is a Tanzanian institution established to support the cotton industry by facilitating the procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs to cotton farmers. This initiative aims to enhance productivity and quality within the sector.

Background and Establishment

The CDTF was incorporated on March 4, 2008, under the Trustees Incorporation Act (CAP.318 R.E. 2002), replacing the earlier Cotton Development Fund (CDF) established under the Cotton Industry Act No. 2 of 2001. This transition was in line with the wishes of cotton industry stakeholders, as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed on April 21, 2006.

Objectives and Functions

The primary objectives of the CDTF include:

• Input Supply and Credit: Centralized procurement and distribution of essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to cotton farmers, often on credit, to reduce costs and improve accessibility.
• Research and Development: Funding research activities at institutions like Ukiliguru and Ilonga stations to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant cotton varieties.
• Farmer Education: Providing educational resources through various media to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in cotton cultivation.
• Market Information Dissemination: Sharing market data to help farmers make informed decisions regarding cotton production and sales.

Impact and Challenges

The CDTF has played a significant role in improving cotton production in Tanzania by ensuring the availability of quality inputs and supporting research initiatives. However, challenges such as input affordability, timely distribution, and effective loan recovery have been noted. For instance, a study highlighted that the passbook system for pesticide distribution was discontinued due to poor loan recovery rates.