Professor Shemdoe Urges Agricultural Extension Officers to Propel Tanzania as Africa’s Food Basket

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, has called on agricultural extension officers to effectively use their expertise in fulfilling the goals of the Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This initiative aims to boost production in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, positioning Tanzania as a major food supplier in Africa.

Prof. Shemdoe made these remarks while opening the Annual Conference of the Tanzania Society of Agricultural Education and Extension (TSAEE) in Dodoma, on behalf of the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega, from November 20 to 21, 2023.

“You are the engine driving this mission. Focus on achieving the Sixth Phase Government’s goals, prioritizing food availability, nutrition, and income growth for citizens, over 65% of whom are engaged in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries,” Prof. Shemdoe stated.

He further mentioned the government’s increasing annual budget allocation to these sectors, aiming to revolutionize agriculture by enhancing productivity, food security, market access, capital, and export of agricultural goods.

Additionally, Prof. Shemdoe highlighted the government’s continued collaboration with local and international development partners committed to supporting Tanzania’s middle-income economy through agricultural activities.

Moreover, he urged extension officers to fully cooperate in President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s flagship project, ‘Jenga Kesho Iliyobora (BBT)’, which focuses on uplifting youth and women.

Prof. Catherine Msuya, Chairperson of TSAEE, thanked various ministries for addressing challenges faced by extension officers and requested continued support, including budget allocations for TSAEE. She also appealed for a unified system within the Ministries of Livestock and Fisheries, Agriculture, and TAMISEMI to enhance communication among extension officers, addressing the current issue of multiple disparate systems.