Future Youth in Tanzania: A Call for Inclusive Policies to Empower Youth in Agriculture

KILIMOKWANZA.ORG REPORTER

Tanzania, a nation with one of the youngest populations globally, has immense economic growth potential by engaging its youth in agriculture. “According to the World Population Review 2022, youth and children constitute a remarkable 75% of our population,” notes Hon. Hussein Mohammed Bashe, Minister of Agriculture. “This demographic could be the key to transforming agriculture, a sector that already contributes 26.1% to our GDP and employs 65% of the workforce.”

However, realizing this potential necessitates strategic and inclusive policy reforms, as emphasized in the article co-authored by Hon. Bashe and Vianey Rweyendela, Country Director for Tanzania AGRA. They highlight the need for initiatives like the Building a Better Tomorrow: Youth Initiative for Agribusiness (BBT-YIA). “Launched in 2022, the BBT-YIA is more than a program; it’s a commitment to our youth,” states Bashe. “Our goal is to create three million jobs and achieve an agricultural growth rate of 10% by 2030.”

The BBT-YIA program is structured around four key components: BBT-Block Farms, BBT-Extension, BBT-Financing, and BBT-Boreholes. “Each component is designed to tackle specific barriers young people face in agriculture,” explains Rweyendela. Yet, despite the promise of such initiatives, significant hurdles remain.

Addressing Key Barriers

“One of the most pressing issues is land access,” the article highlights. “Tanzania’s legal frameworks do not adequately address youth land rights,” it continues, pointing out that young people are often considered under the general rights of adults. This oversight fails to recognize the unique challenges they face in accessing and utilizing land. “We need policies that see youth as a distinct demographic with specific needs,” argues Bashe.

The lack of land ownership is a critical barrier that prevents youth from investing in long-term agricultural projects. “Without secure land rights, young people are left farming on leased plots, often with no guarantee of tenure,” Bashe notes. “This uncertainty discourages investment in infrastructure like irrigation systems or machinery, which are vital for modern, productive farming.”

In addition to land access, financing remains a significant obstacle. “Young farmers like Anisa, who are eager to innovate and grow, find themselves blocked by the lack of accessible financing,” the article reveals. Anisa, a recent university graduate with a degree in business, represents many young Tanzanians interested in agriculture but constrained by systemic financial barriers. “The land she has access to is controlled by her father, and without collateral, she cannot secure loans,” it explains.

Innovative Financial Solutions Needed

The article calls for a shift from traditional, collateral-based lending to more inclusive financial products. “To truly empower our youth, we must develop youth-friendly financial products and services,” Rweyendela asserts. This includes “implementing policies to reduce interest rates on agricultural loans for youth, making financing more accessible and affordable.”

Moreover, there is a pressing need for flexible repayment terms that align with the agricultural cycle’s unique cash flow patterns. “Financial institutions should offer products like micro-loans specifically tailored to young farmers,” the article advises. This approach would enable young people to invest in their farms without the crushing burden of high-interest rates and inflexible repayment schedules.

The article also emphasizes the role of NGOs and development partners in bridging the financial gap. “Through grant provision, venture capital investment, and seed funding, we can provide the necessary support for young farmers to make their initial investments,” it suggests. “These programs do not require repayment and can offer a lifeline to those who lack access to traditional financing options.”

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Policy Reform

As Tanzania prepares to participate in the upcoming Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum in Rwanda from September 2nd to 6th, the article sees a crucial opportunity to address these challenges on a broader stage. “The AFS Forum is not just a meeting; it’s a chance to showcase our progress and push for policy changes that will make a real difference,” Bashe states. “We will demonstrate the strides we’ve made since the last forum in Dar es Salaam in 2023 and advocate for continued support and collaboration.”

The article concludes with a strong call to action: “If Tanzania is to harness the full potential of its youthful population, we must act now. Comprehensive policy reforms are not just desirable; they are essential to remove the barriers that prevent young people from fully participating in agriculture.”

Empowering the Next Generation

Tanzania’s youth are not just the future—they are the present. With over 50% of the population under 18, there is a pressing need to create an environment that nurtures their potential. “By addressing land access and financing barriers, we can unlock the full potential of our youth in agriculture,” the article argues. “Inclusive policies will empower young farmers and drive sustainable economic growth for the entire country.”

As the nation moves forward, the insights and recommendations outlined by Hon. Bashe and Rweyendela provide a clear roadmap for achieving a more inclusive and prosperous future. “Our youth are ready to lead,” concludes Bashe. “It’s time we give them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”