Experts from China and Tanzania Exchange Agricultural Insights

Kilimokwanza.org Team

Experts in policy and research have highlighted the need for transformative agricultural policies in Tanzania. These policies should not stand alone but be integrated with other sectors to achieve significant agricultural changes, such as moving away from subsistence farming.

These discussions emerged from a symposium on Tanzanian and Chinese experiences and cooperation in development, with a strong focus on agriculture. The event, held at the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) offices in Dar es Salaam, included participants from the China Agricultural University (CAU) and scholars from the China International Development and Global Agriculture (CIDGA) Institute. The experts emphasized that addressing agricultural productivity must also consider cultural factors

These experts argue that aligning policies for industrial revolution and public health will contribute to agricultural growth in tandem with other sectors, thereby enhancing productivity.

These insights emerged during a dialogue between Tanzania and China on experiences and collaboration in development, primarily focusing on agriculture.

The dialogue, held at the offices of the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) in Dar es Salaam, involved students from the China Agricultural University (CAU) and scholars from CIDGA, another Chinese institution. It was revealed that addressing agricultural productivity must also consider cultural factors.

Launching the dialogue, ESRF CEO, Professor Fortunata Makene, urged the research experts to propose solutions or recommendations to policymakers that would help lift agriculture from its stagnation and alleviate poverty among citizens.

She emphasized that the dialogue presented another opportunity to examine, compare, and provide answers to policymakers on improving agricultural productivity in Tanzania.

Despite signing a collaboration agreement with the Chinese institutions in April of this year regarding knowledge exchange, capacity building for human resources and students, as well as research, the dialogue served as a learning experience.

Professor Xu Xiuli (Mzuri), who oversaw the discussion, emphasized that there is much to learn and assist policymakers. Still, the key is recognizing that change must start at the grassroots level.

She expressed gratitude for the dialogue, as it sheds light on the challenges faced by society and how to address and transform them. She noted that China has made significant progress in agriculture, with agricultural colleges spread throughout the country, providing practical education to citizens.

Professor Mzuri, who is also the Dean of CIDGA, CAU, emphasized that agricultural transformation cannot occur without involving citizens and enabling them to understand the reasons behind their engagement in agriculture.

During the discussions, Professor Hoseana Lunogelo highlighted the need for agriculture to embrace technology from land preparation to planting, maintenance, and harvesting.

He cited the transformation of the Usangu Plains, where technology adoption has led to increased productivity among young people.

He explained that these young people have opted to use affordable modern tools from China to revolutionize agriculture, including acquiring power tillers.

While acknowledging that the engines of these tools require maintenance every three years, prompting a call for Chinese manufacturers to enhance their durability, Professor Wangwe countered that Tanzanians should go beyond purchasing and using machines to manufacturing and improving them locally.

Professor Humphrey Moshi shared how China sent individuals to Germany to learn about waste management and returned with systems superior to those in Germany, leading to a collaboration to produce new equipment.

It was explained that if policies are aligned, local industries could be established to repair and manufacture high-quality agricultural equipment.

Professor Lunogelo emphasized the inseparability of science and technology in improving agricultural machinery and stressed the need to recognize their importance in enhancing agriculture through increased investment in agricultural tools.

Professor Tang Lixia acknowledged the role of policy but emphasized that the strategic distribution of agricultural colleges reaching rural areas is a significant contribution that will facilitate agricultural transformation in Tanzania. He cited China as an example, with over 100 agricultural colleges at the provincial level involved in the entire agricultural value chain.

Professor Humphrey Moshi pointed out that despite many people’s reliance on agriculture, there is a need to reduce dependence on a single sector, as any disruption can have dire consequences. He used the example of over-reliance on hydropower and questioned the consequences if there were no rain for three years.

He advocated for diverse technologies to reduce dependence on a single technology, as any disruption can have negative consequences. He expressed confidence in the possibility of eradicating poverty through a significant agricultural revolution.

Professor Qi Gubo, who has visited Tanzania six times and traveled to rural areas during those visits, noted that while China had overcome the problem of hunger by 2020, there is a significant difference in mindset between Tanzanian and Chinese farmers.

While Chinese farmers complain about the need for employment, Tanzanian farmers desire mechanized farming with guaranteed markets.

Additionally, while Chinese farmers organize themselves and do not wait for the government to meet their needs, including developing agricultural infrastructure and environment, Tanzanian farmers view this as the government’s responsibility.

He emphasized the need for a change in mindset, recognizing that the foundation for change starts with individuals.

Despite comprehensive scholarly analysis, experts agreed that agriculture must be elevated and integrated with other sectors in a policy framework of interdependence to achieve immediate positive impact.

However, in the dialogue, Professor Li Xiaoyun argued that the main obstacle to agricultural growth in Tanzania is the availability of diverse alternative products in many areas, reducing the pressure on individuals to succeed in a particular crop.

Professor Samwel Wangwe acknowledged deliberate efforts to uplift agriculture, citing a more than twofold increase in the government’s agricultural budget over the past three years.

He noted that change is occurring, albeit slowly, and is evident.

He emphasized the need for comprehensive research to advance agriculture, considering the country’s vast size and diverse ecological systems.

Professor Wangwe stressed the importance of society recognizing the need for change and transforming agriculture by focusing on irrigation farming, mechanization, and linking local processing industries with farmers and stakeholders to utilize agricultural products.

He argued that agriculture requires well-functioning industries and proper infrastructure to thrive.

He concluded by emphasizing that the time has come for experts and stakeholders in agriculture to consider how agriculture can be integrated with other sectors through policies, such as establishing industries to process and market agricultural products.