Hon. Adam Kighoma Malima Reflects on the Legacy of SAGCOT and the Power of International Partnerships

By Kilimokwanza.org Reporter

The Birth of SAGCOT: A Challenging Beginning

Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Hon. Adam Kighoma Malima, remembers the early days of the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) as a time of great challenge. Gaining support for the initiative within the political establishment was no easy feat, requiring extensive engagement with partners and stakeholders.

Persistence and Breakthrough

Hon. Malima recalls the perseverance needed to bring SAGCOT to fruition. It took persistent advocacy to secure the initiative’s future, culminating in President Kikwete’s endorsement. The World Economic Forum served as a platform to showcase SAGCOT and garner further support.

Early Focus and Challenges

Initially, SAGCOT’s focus was on regions like Kilombero, Morogoro, Njombe, and Sumbawanga. There were debates about the initiative’s starting point and the emphasis on the southern corridors. However, Hon. Malima believes that SAGCOT’s most significant achievement has been the transformation it has brought to agriculture, shifting mindsets and practices.

SAGCOT’s Enduring Impact

As the Regional Commissioner of Morogoro, Hon. Malima is pleased to see that SAGCOT continues to thrive. Though it has adapted to changes, it remains a driving force in the region’s agricultural sector.

The Power of International Partnerships

The unwavering support from international partners, particularly those from Scandinavia, has been critical to SAGCOT’s success. Hon. Malima emphasizes the enduring nature of these partnerships, which have consistently contributed to Tanzania’s agricultural development.

Enduring Scandinavian Support

Reflecting on past challenges, Hon. Malima recalls how Scandinavian partners stood by Tanzania during a severe agricultural crisis in 1994. He also highlights more recent collaborations, such as the establishment of avocado farming in Tanzania with Norwegian support. These examples underscore the strength and depth of these relationships.

A Bright Future

As SAGCOT evolves and the region continues to grow, Hon. Malima remains optimistic. The partnerships forged over the years, especially with Scandinavian partners, will continue to play a pivotal role in Tanzania’s agricultural transformation.

Vision for Agricultural Transformation in Morogoro

Hon. Adam Kighoma Malima, Reflecting on his journey from Deputy Minister for Finance to his current role, Malima shares his deep connection to agriculture and his ambitious plans for Morogoro’s future.

Agriculture: A Lifelong Commitment

In 2008, President Jakaya Kikwete appointed Malima as Deputy Minister for Finance, requiring him to transition from development economics to tackling the nation’s financial and energy challenges. “When I was later sent to agriculture, I initially questioned my place there,” Malima admits. “But after three years in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, I found myself deeply passionate about the sector. My background in development economics gave me a unique understanding of the importance of agriculture for our country and its people.”

A New Vision for Morogoro

Now, as Regional Commissioner, Malima is focused on transforming agriculture in Morogoro. “My agenda is clear: agricultural transformation,” he states. “Traditional farming methods can no longer meet the needs of our rapidly growing population. We are 65 million now, and in 15 years, we may be over 85 million. This demographic shift demands a new approach to agriculture.”

Morogoro is already a key player in Tanzania’s agricultural sector, producing 70% of the nation’s sugar and being a major producer of rice. But Malima has even bigger plans. “We need to think beyond traditional crops and focus on those with the potential to drive economic growth. My goal is to make Morogoro the number one agricultural center in the United States of East Africa.”

The Power of Strategic Crops

Malima identifies five key crops that are central to his vision: cloves, spices, cocoa, palm, and avocados. “These crops have a direct impact on society’s transformation. Young people are more willing to engage in agriculture when it involves crops that are easier to grow and more profitable,” he explains. “For instance, cloves have a high demand globally, and Morogoro has the potential to produce ten times more than Zanzibar.”

Cocoa is another focus area. “Morogoro is the second-largest producer of cocoa in Tanzania, behind Mbeya. We need to shift from just harvesting cocoa trees to actively farming them. The profits are significant—farmers are seeing returns that are five times higher in just a couple of years.”

Engaging the Youth: Agriculture as a ‘Romantic’ Pursuit

Malima emphasizes the need to make agriculture attractive to young people. “I call it the ‘romantic’ side of agriculture—it’s easier to manage and more appealing. By getting the youth involved, we can reduce migration to cities and boost rural economies.”

He shares a compelling comparison: “A new graduate in the city might earn 750,000 shillings monthly, totaling about 10 million shillings a year. In contrast, a small plot of one to two acres of crops like cloves or avocados can yield up to 20 million shillings. The potential is enormous.”

The Role of Norway and Conservation Efforts

Norway’s participation in Morogoro’s agricultural transformation is vital, according to Malima. “Norway has always been a key partner, especially in agriculture. Their support can directly contribute to the success of new crops and the transformation of traditional agriculture.”

Conservation is also a priority for Malima. “Morogoro was once one of the greenest regions in Tanzania. I remember visiting Morogoro as a child, and it was lush and vibrant. We must restore that green legacy while expanding our agricultural capabilities.”

A Future-Ready Morogoro

One of Malima’s most exciting initiatives is the introduction of avocado farming in the mountainous region of Gairo. “We have already started seedling production, and the demand is incredibly high. My focus is now on creating a seed multiplication center to meet the growing needs of this alternative crop.”

Malima’s vision for Morogoro is clear: to lead Tanzania in agricultural innovation, conservation, and economic growth. “We are not just farming; we are shaping the future of our nation,” he concludes.