AGRA Reinforces Support at Tanzania Food Systems Partners Dialogue and Workshop

*Tsh 33 trillion needed to implement the Agenda 10/30 initiative

* AGRA has pledged $40 million to support to “Building a Better Tomorrow” initiative

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The Tanzania Food Systems Partners Dialogue and Workshop, held on July 11, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, marked a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards a more robust and sustainable food system. This pivotal event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, farmer organizations, and development partners, focused on identifying key priorities and investment opportunities to transform Tanzania’s food systems.

One of the event’s most important highlights was the launch of the “Agenda 10/30 Investment Roadmap for Accelerating Agricultural Growth in Tanzania,” which is expected to be a key focus in the upcoming AFS Forum, the world’s premier forum for African agriculture. The forum will bring together stakeholders in the agricultural landscape to commit to agricultural transformation across Africa in Kigali.

The total cost of implementing the Agenda 10/30 initiative is estimated at 33 trillion Tanzanian shillings. This cost will be split between the government, the private sector, and donors.

The government will be responsible for 18 trillion Tanzanian shillings, primarily covering fertilizer, improved seed subsidies, and mechanization and irrigation costs. This represents the largest share of the investment, at 54%.

The private sector is expected to contribute 15 trillion Tanzanian shillings or 44% of the total cost. This investment will be directed towards fertilizers, improved seeds, mechanization, pesticides, and storage solutions.

Donor contributions are estimated to be 348 billion Tanzanian shillings, constituting a small fraction of the overall investment at 1%. These funds will be allocated towards farmer mobilization and registration, extension services, marketing and branding efforts, and research initiatives.

“Following the dialogue in Dar es Salaam, AGRA has committed to supporting Tanzania’s food systems across various critical aspects,” noted H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and board chair of AGRA, underscored AGRA’s robust commitment to transforming Tanzania’s food systems.

AGRA has pledged $40 million to support Tanzania’s agricultural and livestock sectors under the government’s “Building a Better Tomorrow” initiative. This substantial investment aims to drive growth and development within these crucial sectors.

In partnership with the government and the National Seed Investment Plan, AGRA is dedicated to ensuring the delivery of sustainable technology for future farming systems. This collaboration aims to enhance productivity and efficiency, fostering a more resilient agricultural landscape.

AGRA’s strategy emphasizes the importance of inclusive markets, trade, and finance to enhance food security, create jobs, and build resilience. The overarching goal is to help Tanzania feed its population while generating a surplus for others, contributing to both national and regional food security.

AGRA supports the Agricultural Transformation Office (ATO) and the Presidential Fertilizer Advisory Council (PFADC) to improve resource generation and coordination. President Dr. Samia’s championed increased government budget allocation is expected to act as a catalyst for private sector investment, helping to achieve the ambitious goals set out in Agenda 10/30.

“We are committed to supporting Tanzania’s efforts in building a more sustainable and resilient food system,” said H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn. “Through financial support, sustainable technologies, inclusive markets, and sector support, AGRA aims to play a pivotal role in transforming Tanzania’s agricultural landscape and ensuring food security for future generations.”

 Hon Dessalegn, called for strategies to attract more young people to agriculture by modernizing the sector. “Our agriculture deserves to be smarter; we must have modern agriculture where young people will adapt to the current technological changes to ensure they do productive agriculture,” he said.

Hon. Dessalegn emphasized that modernizing agriculture to meet international standards would make the sector more profitable and sustainable. “Africa is currently unable to export many products for various reasons, including failing to meet international standards. Still, if young people are persuaded to enter agriculture, they will know how to produce high-yield and standard products,” he noted.

The dialogue and workshop provided a platform to review Tanzania’s progress, discuss emerging strategies, and strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration around priority initiatives. Building on the momentum of recent major events, including the 2023 AFS Forum, Africa Climate Summit, and COP28, the workshop aimed to accelerate progress on public-private flagship initiatives to be showcased at upcoming milestones such as the 2024 AFS Forum, Sustainable Development Impact Summit, and COP29.

A central theme of the workshop was the vital issue of youth engagement in agriculture. Participants emphasized the need to address four significant challenges hindering young people’s entry into farming: limited access to land, lack of appropriate technology, inadequate financial capital, and unreliable markets. These barriers prevent aspiring young farmers from acquiring fertile land, utilizing modern tools and techniques to enhance efficiency, securing affordable financing, and establishing stable channels for selling their produce.

In his address, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe, highlighted the need to reform financial systems to facilitate easier access to agricultural loans for young people. “We need a new approach to lending that targets young people and considers their ability to repay,” said Hon. Bashe. “The current system hinders agricultural development and discourages young people.”

Hon. Bashe further stressed the importance of international institutions recognizing the unique economic contexts of African nations compared to Western “supermarket economies.” He advocated for a borrowing system that supports young people’s engagement in agriculture without demanding unattainable collateral. “Telling graduates to have money or collateral instead of looking at their project, then lending them, disrupts the good intention of providing jobs for young people,” he said.

Hon. Bashe also called for a robust agricultural policy from the central bank to revitalize young people’s participation in agriculture. This policy should enable young people to borrow and be given sufficient time to repay, thus addressing the critical issues of food system security and youth unemployment.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of building a sustainable food system capable of coping with climate change and ensuring food security for future generations. Participants emphasized investing in productive agriculture, water conservation, and sustainable farming methods. They also called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to create a better business environment for farmers.

The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Hussein M. Omar, emphasized the importance of achieving these goals through a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector and strong coordination of stakeholders. “With cooperation and appropriate investment, Tanzania can build a sustainable food system that ensures the well-being of its society today and for future generations,” said Dr. Omar.

Apart from the launch of the 10/30 Agriculture Investment Agenda Investment Map, the workshop presented the priorities of the new Tanzania National Agriculture Master Plan, which aims to transform the country’s agricultural sector. These initiatives are designed to enhance resilience, increase productivity, and ensure sustainable food systems in Tanzania.

The High-Level Opening Plenary provided a platform for several leaders across public and private sectors, implementing partners, and development partners to speak to progress and remaining gaps in advancing the policies, programs, investments, and capacities needed to achieve Tanzania’s food systems vision. The session also aligned stakeholders around the latest shared vision, priorities, and investment pillars.

The workshop set a solid foundation for further collaboration towards food systems transformation. Key outcomes include:

●  Alignment on progress and outstanding priorities for Tanzania’s food systems.

●  Launch of key food systems priorities and programs, with supporting efforts by partners.

●  Increased awareness of the emerging Agricultural Masterplan and stakeholder feedback on critical elements.

●  Setting the tone for advancing action and investment through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The discussions will guide Tanzania’s participation in upcoming events such as the Africa Food Systems Forum, COP29, and UNFSS+4. By reviewing 2023’s discussions, successes, and challenges, the National Food Systems Workshop has laid a robust framework for achieving these goals.

The Tanzania Food Systems Partners Dialogue and Workshop underscored the nation’s determination to improve its food system and ensure food security for all its citizens. The event, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with AGRA, AFS Forum, World Bank, United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub, CGIAR, FAO, IFAD, GAIN, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and Food Action Alliance, highlighted the collective efforts needed to achieve a sustainable and resilient food system for the nation.

Since 2020, Tanzania has been advancing a national pathway for food systems transformation in alignment with the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit. Under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, significant efforts have been made to implement investments, programs, and policies to ensure food security and promote resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. Establishing the Presidential Food and Agriculture Delivery Council on March 15, 2023, is a testament to the government’s commitment to this vision.