AGRA Commits to Strengthening Tanzania’s Seed Systems to Drive Agricultural Growth and Food Security

DODOMA

AGRA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s agricultural transformation by strengthening seed systems to boost food production and enhance resilience in the sector.

At a recent national seed stakeholders’ forum held in Dodoma, AGRA emphasized the critical role of high-quality seeds in improving productivity and transitioning smallholder farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Representing AGRA’s Country Director, Ipyana Mwakasaka highlighted the organization’s strategic focus on enhancing seed quality, research, capacity building, and outreach to smallholder farmers across the country.

“AGRA remains dedicated to partnering with the Tanzanian government and key agricultural stakeholders to scale up the production and distribution of improved, climate-resilient seed varieties,” said Mwakasaka. “We are also focused on expanding access to markets, promoting awareness among farmers, and reinforcing quality control mechanisms to ensure sustainable outcomes.”

AGRA plans to support policy and regulatory frameworks that foster a conducive environment for private-sector participation in the seed value chain. This includes backing initiatives that streamline certification processes, strengthen extension services, and improve last-mile delivery of certified seeds to rural farming communities.

Mwakasaka further noted AGRA’s alignment with the Government of Tanzania’s “10/30” strategy—an ambitious plan aimed at achieving 10% economic growth and lifting 30% of the population out of poverty by 2030. In particular, AGRA supports the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) initiative, which seeks to engage youth in agriculture as a viable and profitable enterprise.

The event was attended by Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, members of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Industry, Trade, Livestock and Agriculture, along with representatives from seed companies, research institutions, and development partners.

In his address, Minister Bashe praised ongoing efforts to modernize agriculture and acknowledged increased public investment and progressive policy reforms as key drivers of sectoral growth.

“We are laying a strong foundation for long-term food security and rural prosperity,” he said. “Agriculture must be seen not just as a livelihood activity but as a business opportunity—particularly for our youth, who stand to benefit significantly from its economic potential.”

The stakeholders’ meeting served as a strategic platform to align priorities, strengthen collaboration, and chart a roadmap for scaling up quality seed production and technology adoption across Tanzania’s agricultural landscape.