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International cooperation

Tanzania Seeks United Front to Revolutionize Agriculture

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The government of Tanzania has called for a joint effort from local institutions, international partners, and the private sector to transform the country's food systems through innovation, youth engagement, and sustainable practices. Deputy permanent secretary in the ministry of Agriculture, Dr Stephen Nindi, emphasized that the initiative offers a rare opportunity to redesign agriculture for a modern Tanzania, particularly for youth and women. The government aims to support science-based, home-grown innovations that uplift smallholder farmers and create income, nutrition, and export opportunities for many agritech companies in the country. Key stakeholders, including Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Coppola and Tanzania's Agricultural Research Institute (Tari) director Sophia Kashenge-Kilenga, have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the country's agricultural transformation by sharing knowledge, technology, and expertise.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government of Tanzania is seeking a united front between local institutions, international partners, and the private sector to revolutionize agriculture through innovation, youth engagement, and sustainable practices.
  • Deputy permanent secretary in the ministry of Agriculture, Dr Stephen Nindi, emphasized that the initiative offers a rare opportunity to redesign agriculture for a modern Tanzania, particularly for youth and women.
  • The government aims to support science-based, home-grown innovations that uplift smallholder farmers and create income, nutrition, and export opportunities for many agritech companies in the country.
  • Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Coppola reaffirmed Italy's commitment to supporting the country's agricultural transformation by sharing knowledge, technology, and expertise.
  • Tanzania's Agricultural Research Institute (Tari) director Sophia Kashenge-Kilenga emphasized the urgency of investing in technology-driven agriculture and the need to create economic opportunities that appeal to young people.
  • The innovation challenge is an opportunity to develop smart, scalable solutions for Tanzanian farmers, with the potential to lead to lasting impact in food systems, technology uptake, and youth participation in agriculture.

Sources:

  • AgriTecTanzania Innovation Challenge consultation

Statistics:

  • The population of Tanzania is growing fast, with the average age at 18.
  • The country produces surplus food despite facing challenges like youth unemployment and climate change.
  • 71% of the Tanzanian population relies on agriculture, with the sector accounting for 30% of the country's GDP (World Bank, 2020).
  • The government of Tanzania aims to support smallholder farmers, who account for 80% of the country's agricultural workforce (Ministry of Agriculture, 2020).
  • Italy has a long tradition of sustainable agriculture and is committed to supporting Tanzanian initiatives through institutions like UNIDO and partnerships with local stakeholders (Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Coppola, 2023).
  • Tanzanian farmers are facing challenges in accessing European markets and adhering to quality food standards and technology (Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Coppola, 2023).

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