SAGCOT: Transforming Tanzania’s Agriculture for a Prosperous Future

Kilimokwanza.org Reporter

Since its inception in 2010, the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) has been at the forefront of a monumental transformation in Tanzania’s agricultural sector. This initiative, supported by public and private sectors, aims to harness the country’s vast agricultural potential to ensure food security, reduce poverty, and drive sustainable economic growth. A decade into its implementation, the progress and impact of SAGCOT are palpable, with significant achievements across various fronts.

Cultivating Prosperity: Land and Farmer Transition

One of the cornerstone achievements of SAGCOT has been the conversion of 350,000 hectares of land into profitable agricultural production. This ambitious feat has been coupled with the successful transition of 100,000 small-scale farmers into commercial farming. These efforts have increased agricultural output and created 420,000 new jobs, lifting over 2 million people out of poverty​​​​. The stories of farmers who have benefited from SAGCOT’s initiatives are testaments to this success. For example, farmers in the Iringa cluster reported dramatic increases in their potato yields, from 7 tonnes per hectare in 2013/14 to an impressive 28-50 tonnes per hectare in 2022/23​​.

Driving Investment and Innovation

SAGCOT has been instrumental in attracting billions of dollars in private investment to support various agricultural projects. The initiative has focused on developing specific clusters, such as Ihemi and Kilombero, which have seen enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainability. These clusters serve as models of how targeted investment and strategic planning can drive agricultural success​​.

The initiative’s ability to foster productive partnerships between farmers, investors, businesspersons, and government authorities has been pivotal. These collaborations have catalyzed agricultural innovation, bringing modern farming techniques and sustainable practices to the forefront. The Norwegian ambassador’s visit to the SAGCOT clusters underscored the international recognition and support the initiative has garnered, highlighting Norway’s commitment to fostering responsible and sustainable agricultural development in Tanzania​​.

Building a Sustainable Future

Sustainability is at the heart of SAGCOT’s mission. The initiative strongly emphasizes environmentally conscious agricultural practices. The “Her Resilience, Our Planet” project aims to empower women and youth while promoting sustainability. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that the benefits of agricultural development are inclusive and long-lasting​​.

Government Support and Expansion

The Tanzanian government has shown unwavering support for SAGCOT. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for the model to be adopted across all districts to achieve the vision of feeding Africa by 2030. This nationwide expansion underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging SAGCOT’s successes to drive broader agricultural transformation​​.

In addition to domestic support, international partners have played a critical role in SAGCOT’s journey. The collaboration between SAGCOT and the Norwegian government, among others, has been fundamental in propelling agricultural innovation and empowering smallholder farmers​​.

A Vision for the Future

As SAGCOT continues to drive agricultural transformation in Tanzania, the focus remains on scaling up successful initiatives and extending their reach. The insights from the fields indicate that the challenge now lies in scaling up valuable initiatives to benefit more farmers and communities nationwide.

The achievements of SAGCOT serve as a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through collective will, strategic investment, and innovative practices. The initiative showcases Tanzania’s potential to transform its agriculture sector and sets a precedent for other African nations to follow.

As Tanzania gears up to feed Africa by 2030, the SAGCOT model stands as a beacon of hope, collaboration, and visionary thinking. It provides a tangible blueprint for how multifaceted collaboration, innovation, and a clear mission can drive genuine, transformational change​​​​​​.

The journey of SAGCOT is far from over, but the strides made thus far are a promising indicator of a prosperous and sustainable future for Tanzania’s agriculture sector. With continued support and commitment, SAGCOT is poised to make a lasting impact, ensuring food security, economic growth, and sustainable development for future generations.