Tanzania’s Leap Toward Green Growth: The National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy
In a significant stride toward sustainable agriculture, Tanzania has unveiled the National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy (NEOAS) for 2023-2030, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s agricultural evolution.
Ecological Organic Agriculture has emerged as a cross-cutting, multifunctional tool advancing food security, farm incomes, soil restoration, climate resilience, biodiversity, and participation in a growing global market for organic foods,” stated Gerald G. Mweli, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.
“With NEOAS, we have created a strong platform for collaborations and seeking partners who will support the implementation of priority initiatives. The commitment of the government, strategic partnerships, and available potential for agroecology will make Tanzania shine as a model for green growth surfaced by sustainable and resilient agri-food systems,” Gerald G. Mweli, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized.
According to Mweli, the initiative underscores Tanzania’s commitment to intertwining traditional ecological knowledge with scientific advancements to bolster food security, climate resilience, and income generation through sustainable means.
The strategy emerges against a backdrop where ecological organic agriculture (EOA) is increasingly recognized globally by organizations such as the FAO, World Food Security Committee, and the IPCC for its multifaceted benefits, including enhancing biodiversity, restoring soil health, and expanding the global organic food market. Tanzania’s embrace of this transformative approach reflects its dedication to not only nurturing a greener economy but also positioning itself as a model for sustainable and resilient agri-food systems on the African continent and beyond.
Central to the NEOAS is a comprehensive framework designed to accelerate sustainable, ecological organic farming practices. This framework lays the groundwork for governmental and private sector collaboration, fostering new partnerships in line with Tanzania’s agricultural transformation aspirations. By uniting key stakeholders across the value chain, including farmers, researchers, NGOs, and development partners, the strategy aims to catalyze impactful sustainability initiatives, enhance food security, and open avenues for income generation through the global organic market.
The commitment to NEOAS is a call to action for all stakeholders to actively participate in realizing its goals from 2023 to 2030. It encapsulates Tanzania’s broader vision of agricultural transformation, emphasizing the pivotal role of ecological organic agriculture in achieving sustainable growth, food sovereignty, and poverty alleviation. As Tanzania forges ahead with this green revolution, it not only underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development but also signals its ambition to lead by example in the global organic agriculture movement.