Tanzania Food Systems Partners Dialogue: Advancing Agricultural Transformation

By Linnet Muchoki

The recent Tanzania Food Systems Partners Dialogue convened diverse national and international stakeholders to address crucial issues in sustainable agricultural development and food security. Chaired by His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn, the event featured prominent personalities, including Dr. David Nabarro, IFAD Regional Director, Honorable Ministers, Ambassadors, and representatives from academia, media, and development agencies.

Under the leadership of Dr. Hussein M. Omar, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, the dialogue underscored Tanzania’s commitment to revolutionizing its agricultural sector. Dr. Omar emphasized the need for unified action and collaboration to achieve vibrant and resilient food systems, enhance agricultural productivity, promote youth and women’s participation, ensure food security, and foster sustainable financing and private sector engagement.

Strategic Priorities and Initiatives

The Ajenda 10/30 Investment Roadmap and the establishment of an Agriculture Transformation Office (ATO) are central to Tanzania’s agricultural strategy. These initiatives aim to strengthen Tanzania’s food systems against climate change and other global disruptions. Dr. Omar highlighted Tanzania’s alignment with global frameworks such as the UN Food Systems Summit and the Malabo Declaration, emphasizing the country’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Agenda 2063.

The dialogue included intensive breakout sessions covering critical themes such as finance and investment, sustainable water and land use, horticulture, and youth engagement in agribusiness. These sessions aimed to harness collective expertise for inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth. Discussions also explored integrating data and digitalization in agriculture, developing livestock and blue economy sectors, and optimizing seed systems to comprehensively address food insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation.

A pivotal moment was showcasing of the upcoming Tanzania’s Agriculture Masterplan, outlining strategic priorities and flagship initiatives crucial for transforming the agricultural landscape. The master plan aims to enhance stakeholder coordination and provide a clear roadmap for aligning investments and policies. Stakeholders expressed optimism about the plan’s potential to drive impactful change and promote sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.

Path Forward

As the dialogue concluded, Dr. Omar emphasized ongoing collaboration and shared responsibility in advancing Tanzania’s food systems agenda. He highlighted upcoming milestones such as the Africa Food Systems Forum, COP29, and UNFSS+4 as critical opportunities to maintain momentum and garner international support for Tanzania’s agricultural transformation. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the dialogue’s priorities, stressing the importance of sustained dialogue, innovation, and investment in transformative agricultural technologies and practices.

The Tanzania Food Systems Partners Dialogue concluded with a unified call to action—a commitment to achieving a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural sector. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, Tanzania aims not only to achieve food security and nutrition goals but also to position agriculture as a cornerstone of economic growth and social development.

In summary, the dialogue represents a pivotal moment in Tanzania’s agricultural history, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to leveraging agricultural potential for the benefit of all citizens. Tanzania’s leadership in shaping the future of food systems in Africa and beyond is underpinned by the outcomes of this dialogue, providing a robust foundation for continued progress and collaboration towards a prosperous agricultural sector that meets the needs of present and future generations.

Tanzania remains committed to transformation of sustainable agriculture and food systems. The dialogue’s outcomes will guide the implementation of key initiatives outlined in the Agriculture Masterplan, including enhancing agricultural productivity, building resilience against climate change impacts, and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all Tanzanians.

The dialogue highlighted the importance of inclusive development, particularly through empowering youth and women in agriculture. Stakeholders emphasized the need for targeted investments and policies that support the growth of smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, fostering economic empowerment and poverty reduction.

International collaboration is crucial for achieving Tanzania’s agricultural goals. Partnerships with global organizations, development agencies, and donor countries provide technical expertise, financial resources, and market opportunities that can accelerate agricultural transformation. Tanzania’s alignment with global frameworks such as the SDGs and Africa Agenda 2063 strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable agriculture on the international stage.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite ambitious goals, challenges persist on Tanzania’s path to agricultural transformation. These include addressing infrastructure gaps, improving access to finance and technology for rural farmers, and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. However, stakeholders expressed confidence in Tanzania’s ability to overcome these challenges through continued collaboration, innovation, and adaptive management approaches.

the Tanzania Food Systems Partners Dialogue has laid a solid foundation for advancing agricultural transformation and food security in Tanzania. Tanzania is poised to achieve significant milestones in its journey towards a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector by fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, launching strategic initiatives, and promoting sustainable practices. As stakeholders continue to work together towards common goals, Tanzania’s leadership in shaping the future of food systems in Africa will undoubtedly inspire progress and serve as a model for the region and beyond.