Tanzania’s Ministry of Agriculture Signs Agreement with British Company to Tackle Crop Loss

Dodoma, Tanzania: The Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with British company NMS Infrastructure Limited on March 8, 2024, in a meeting held in Dodoma. This agreement aims to conduct feasibility studies in agricultural areas across the country to control and address the challenge of post-harvest crop loss. This initiative is expected to increase crop production and unlock export opportunities.

The agreement, signed by Dr. Hussein Mohamed Omar, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, is set to facilitate a comprehensive feasibility study in various agricultural areas. The study aims to identify effective strategies to mitigate post-harvest losses, which have long been a critical challenge for Tanzanian farmers, diminishing their yields and potential income.

Post-harvest loss is a substantial issue that affects up to a third of all food produced, with grave implications for food security, economic development, and the agricultural supply chain. Through this collaboration, Tanzania seeks to implement innovative solutions to prevent these losses during harvesting, thereby increasing production and exposing local farmers to international market opportunities.

The delegation from NMS Infrastructure Limited was led by the company’s Co-Chairman, Mr. Nicholas Oliver. It included notable members such as Mr. Aidan John McCarthy, Ms. Zahra Fayaz Nasser, Ms. Costantine Vincent, and Mr. Abdulhafar Idrissa. Their expertise and international perspective are expected to contribute significantly to the project’s success.

This initiative is a testament to the Tanzanian government’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector and enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage. By addressing the challenges of crop loss, the Ministry of Agriculture not only aims to improve the livelihood of local farmers but also intends to contribute to the country’s overall economic stability.

With agriculture being the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, providing employment to most of the population and forming a significant part of the country’s GDP, initiatives like this are crucial. They aim to transform the agricultural landscape and serve as a model for similar collaborations in other sectors and regions.