VETA, CARE, and SAGCOT Partner to Enhance Agricultural Skills Development in Southern Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – November 27, 2023

The Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) has entered into a landmark partnership with the international organization CARE and the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) to implement a project aimed at building and strengthening agricultural skills. This initiative targets key groups in the regions of Iringa, Njombe, and Morogoro, focusing on empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities in the agriculture sector.

A Skills Revolution in Agriculture

The agreement aims to bridge the skills gap in Tanzania’s agricultural workforce by enhancing vocational education and training. Key objectives include developing and implementing modern curricula, fostering joint project planning and execution, and exchanging technical expertise and resources among the partners.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, representatives from VETA emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering quality vocational education tailored to meet the needs of the agricultural sector, which is vital for Tanzania’s economy,” said a VETA spokesperson.

Empowering Special Groups

The partnership underscores the importance of inclusivity by prioritizing support for individuals with disabilities. “We urge VETA to give special attention to people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to technical education and training opportunities,” said a representative from CARE. “Equipping them with skills not only enhances their economic prospects but also contributes to national economic growth.”

SAGCOT’s role in the project involves leveraging its expertise in agricultural value chains to align vocational training with industry needs. “By collaborating with VETA and CARE, we aim to create a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable growth in Tanzania’s agricultural sector,” said a SAGCOT representative.

Fostering Collaboration Across Sectors

This initiative builds on VETA’s existing partnerships with educational institutions and government agencies to elevate technical education standards in Tanzania. Recent collaborative efforts with universities such as Ardhi, Mzumbe, and the University of Dar es Salaam, alongside international institutions, further strengthen the project’s foundation.

The partnership also aligns with Tanzania’s broader goals of fostering economic resilience and self-reliance through targeted skills development. By addressing the unique needs of agricultural communities in southern Tanzania, this collaboration is expected to create lasting impacts in productivity, income generation, and food security.

A Path to Sustainable Development

As the project takes shape, the collaboration between VETA, CARE, and SAGCOT is poised to set new benchmarks for vocational education and skills development in Tanzania. By integrating innovative training models, inclusivity, and sector-specific expertise, this partnership promises to equip Tanzania’s workforce with the tools necessary to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape.