IFAD Drives Food Security Initiatives in Tanzania.

By Elizabeth Shumbusho, Kilimokwanza.org Contributor

To bolster Tanzania’s food security, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has emerged as a key player, spearheading transformative initiatives across the agricultural sector. Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Director of IFAD’s East and Southern Africa Division, highlighted the organisation’s crucial role during the Tanzania Food Systems Partner Dialogue and Workshop on July 11th, 2024.

IFAD’s commitment to Tanzania’s agricultural development is evident through its strategic financing and collaborative partnerships with the Tanzanian government. Over the years, IFAD has launched several impactful programs to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability throughout the country.

Fisheries Development Program

IFAD’s Fisheries Development Program, conducted in partnership with the governments of Tanzania and Zanzibar, focuses on advancing aquaculture and seaweed production. The program empowers local fishing communities, particularly women, by investing in innovative fishing technologies and strengthening the fishery value chain.

Climate-Smart Dairy Transformation

Another cornerstone initiative is the Climate-Smart Dairy Transformation Project. Operating through multiple dairy hubs nationwide, IFAD collaborates with private dairy farmers and cooperatives to modernize dairy production. The project aims to enhance market access and bolster the dairy sector’s resilience to climate change by boosting cattle productivity, improving animal health systems, and upgrading dairy processing technologies.

Horticulture Sector Development

IFAD is set to launch a comprehensive initiative under the Broad-Based Transformation framework to tap into the potential of Tanzania’s horticulture sector. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank, IFAD will encourage youth engagement in horticulture. The program will introduce cutting-edge technologies like digital and precision farming, along with educational support, to cultivate high-value crops like avocados and tomatoes for export markets.

Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu emphasized IFAD’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth in Tanzania. “These initiatives are designed not only to enhance food security but also to empower local communities, particularly women and youth, by equipping them with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the agricultural sector,” she stated.

As IFAD continues to expand its transformative efforts in Tanzania, these initiatives are poised to serve as a model for sustainable agricultural development across the region, paving the way for improved food security and economic resilience.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in developing countries. It focuses on remote rural areas, working with governments, donors, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to empower rural populations to overcome poverty through increased agricultural productivity and diversified income generation.