Tanzania Launches Digital Tools to Boost Agricultural Productivity

Dodoma, Tanzania (21 MAY 2024)—In a move to boost the agricultural sector in Tanzania, Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe today officially launched the distribution of tablets and point-of-sale (POS) machines to agricultural extension officers and agro-input agents in Dodoma.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister Bashe said that the 3,500 tablets and POS machines will streamline farmers’ registration in input distribution and soil health testing systems. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to increasing crop yields and overall agricultural productivity in the country.

“The Ministry is determined to ensure that agricultural projects are implemented effectively to benefit farmers and achieve the government’s goal of contributing 10% to the GDP through the agricultural sector,” said Minister Bashe. “We have already reached the goal of 2.3 billion shillings in export earnings, and we believe this new step will take us even further.”

Minister Bashe also announced a new collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and regional and district commissioners and district executive directors. This collaboration aims to ensure that all agricultural projects are adequately supervised and that Ministry staff are fully accountable for implementing their duties.

“This collaboration will eliminate the challenge of theft and lack of accountability in agricultural projects,” added Minister Bashe. “We believe that by working together, we can bring about significant changes in the agricultural sector and improve the lives of all farmers in the country.”

Today’s launch marks an essential step in the government’s efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure its full contribution to the country’s economic development.