While speaking at a high-profile discussion on African agriculture held in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 30, 2024, Samia unveiled a strategic roadmap focused on three main pillars: irrigation infrastructure, technology access, and market expansion.
Her commitment is clear: Tanzania aims not just to feed its own people, but to play a key role in securing food for the region.
'The first cornerstone in this agricultural revolution is a massive investment in irrigation infrastructure. By prioritizing large-scale irrigation projects, the Tanzanian government seeks to transform seasonal farming into year-round productivity,' she said.
This approach not only bolsters resilience against erratic rainfall patterns but also enables a stable supply of crops, addressing both local consumption needs and the potential for export. With this infrastructure, Tanzania is preparing to increase food production sustainably and efficiently, aiming to put more Tanzanian crops on African tables.
With eyes also set on innovation, President Samia's administration is driving initiatives to connect farmers with cutting-edge agricultural technology and high-quality inputs. By collaborating with development partners, Tanzania plans to supply farmers with tools and methods that promise better yields and healthier crops.
'This shift to modernized farming will empower Tanzanian farmers to produce higher-value crops with quality that meets both local demands and global standards. It's a vision that sees farmers at the forefront of economic progress, using technology to build prosperity and independence,' said the Head of State.
For Tanzania's agricultural growth to reach its full potential, President Samia says that market access is key. By opening up both domestic and international markets for Tanzanian products, her administration is creating pathways for farmers to earn more from their efforts.
According to her, expanding markets means more than economic gain; it's about creating a dynamic agricultural sector that can fuel Tanzanian development, attract global partnerships, and position Tanzania as a food powerhouse in Africa.
'We intend to position Tanzania as a central player in the quest for food security in Africa. With strategies that encourage sustainable practices, promote innovative technology, and open new market opportunities,' she emphasized.
She said that her country's agricultural transformation is more than a national agenda it's a plan to uplift communities across the continent and through her leadership, President Samia intends not only to transform Tanzania's agricultural sector but is also set a powerful example of how strategic action in agriculture can be a cornerstone for growth and resilience across Africa.
Tanzania's international trade has experienced a striking 84% increase, rising from USD 17.4 billion to USD 31.4 billion in just over three years. Exports have nearly doubled, from $8.4 billion to $15 billion. Imports have also increased from $9 billion to $16.4 billion. The country's external debt increased from $24.4 billion to $32.6 billion, a 33% rise.
Globally, emerging economies have recently adopted calculated borrowing as it supports critical investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and technology. This benefits not just today's population but also generations to come.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/tanzania-seeks-to-become-africa-s-foodbasket
