Tanzania’s Ministry of Agriculture Launches the “Samia Youth in Agriculture Award”

In a pioneering move to revolutionize the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture of the United Republic of Tanzania has announced the launch of the “Samia Youth in Agriculture Award.” Aimed at harnessing the innovative potential of the youth in universities and colleges, this initiative calls for the submission of project ideas that promise to bring transformative changes to the agricultural sector, contributing to both individual economic development and national prosperity.

The award seeks to address key challenges in agriculture including low productivity and yield; minimal use of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and farming tools; post-harvest losses; inadequate extension services; limited participation of youth and women; lack of market access; and financing difficulties in the sector. The top three project proposals will receive financial and technical support to implement their groundbreaking ideas.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a Tanzanian citizen.
• Open to youths aged 18 and above.
• Must be a student at a tertiary or university level.

Submission Guidelines:

• Proposals should not exceed 3,000 words.
• Must articulate how the project will contribute to national objectives in the agricultural sector.
• Should be written in either Kiswahili or English, using Arial font size 12 and 1.5 line spacing.
• Must include the number of project implementers and their expertise.
• Should detail how the project will generate employment for other youths and ensure sustainability.
• A covering letter must accompany the proposal, along with the curriculum vitae of the project proposer.
• Proposals should include a project logframe showing objectives, performance indicators, expected outcomes, and activities.
• Submissions are to be sent to competition@kilimo.go.tz from February 15th to February 29th, 2024, before 6:00 PM.

Awards:

• First place: TZS 5,000,000
• Second place: TZS 4,000,000
• Third place: TZS 3,000,000
• Fourth place: TZS 2,000,000
• Fifth place: TZS 1,000,000
• Sixth to tenth place: TZS 500,000 each

Youth and women are particularly encouraged to apply and be part of the transformative wave in the agricultural sector.

Issued by: The Acting Secretary-General Ministry of Agriculture

This innovative initiative marks a significant step towards engaging the youth in agricultural development, leveraging their creativity and energy to tackle longstanding challenges and drive forward Tanzania’s agricultural revolution.