SAGCOT: Youth-Led Agricultural BBT Initiative Praised for Transforming Tanzania’s Farming Sector

Kilimokwanza.org Correspondent

Various stakeholders from the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors have commended the implementation of the Build Better Tomorrow (BBT) initiative as a means to uplift these sectors through youth involvement.

Speaking to our correspondent in Njombe region, avocado farmer Ferdinand Kivua expressed his satisfaction, stating that the government, through the ministries of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, has introduced a plan that, if properly executed, will significantly contribute to food security, income elevation, and economic growth.

“I believe that as citizens, we should support the efforts made by the government through these ministries to attract young people to engage in these sectors,” said Kivua.

Similarly, Magreth Lwangili remarked that initial stages of any plan often face criticism and skepticism, but as successes become evident, people begin to embrace and align themselves with the achievements.

Lwangili has closely monitored the implementation of the initiative, which has attracted many young people to invest in and undertake agricultural, livestock, and fisheries activities, aiming to improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty in Tanzanian society.

“As stakeholders of the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) Initiative, we support the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for introducing BBT because we believe many young people are inspired by this initiative, which promises to bring about significant changes in the respective sectors,” stated Lwangili.

Razack Sanga, a maize farmer from Makete District, highlighted the significant contribution of the initiative in enhancing young people’s knowledge of commercial farming, preparing them to actively contribute to national income.

“We thank our President and her ministries for providing this invaluable opportunity to our youth. They have been trained in commercial farming, modern livestock rearing, and quality fish farming, which will stimulate production,” said Sanga.

Since its launch by President Samia in Dodoma last year, the response from youth to join the BBT initiative has been overwhelming, increasing hopes of Tanzania’s commitment to feed Africa and the world at large.

The initiative aims to facilitate youth participation in the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors, ensuring sustainability that will contribute to improving and uplifting Tanzanians’ lives, alongside creating three million direct and indirect jobs by 2030.