Transforming Agrifood Systems: Addressing Hidden Costs and Sustainability Challenges in Tanzania

Kilimokwanza.org Team

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has released its seminal report for 2023, titled “The State of Food and Agriculture.” This report, a cornerstone of agricultural research and policy guidance, delves deep into the agrifood systems of various countries, with a particular focus on revealing the “true cost” of food production and consumption patterns worldwide. Within its pages, the FAO casts a spotlight on the United Republic of Tanzania, among other lower-middle-income countries, to illustrate the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the hidden costs within its agrifood systems. These insights not only shed light on the challenges faced but also pave the way for transformative actions.

The Multifaceted Hidden Costs in Tanzania

The FAO report identifies a range of hidden costs that are not typically accounted for in the market prices of food. These include environmental degradation, health impacts from poor diets, and the social consequences of undernutrition and poverty. For Tanzania, the spotlight is on the social hidden costs predominantly linked to poverty and undernourishment. This situation mirrors that of Nigeria and contrasts with countries like Pakistan and Egypt, where unhealthy dietary patterns leading to obesity and non-communicable diseases are more prevalent. In Tanzania, the struggle against poverty and undernourishment is not just a matter of social welfare but a significant barrier to achieving sustainable development goals.

Income shortfalls among the moderately poor in Tanzania are highlighted as a pressing concern. These shortfalls contribute to a vicious cycle where the lack of resources perpetuates limited access to nutritious food, further entrenching poverty and undernutrition. The FAO report points out that focusing on dietary-induced productivity losses, akin to strategies recommended for Bangladesh and Pakistan, could offer a pathway for Tanzania to mitigate some of these challenges. This approach suggests a direct link between improving dietary habits and enhancing national productivity, highlighting the interconnectedness of health and economic prosperity.

The “Polluter Pays” Principle: A Path to Sustainability

A significant portion of the FAO’s analysis is dedicated to exploring potential solutions and strategies to address these hidden costs. The “polluter pays” principle is advocated as a critical tool in this endeavor. This approach holds that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it, thereby internalizing the environmental costs of their actions. The report cites examples of how this principle has been applied globally, including the development of fishing licenses in Tanzania. Such measures are seen as steps toward less environmentally harmful farming practices, balancing the need for economic activity with the imperative of environmental conservation.

The introduction of environmental levies, taxes on pesticides and fertilizers, and charges for wastewater are examples of how the “polluter pays” principle can be operationalized. While these measures may raise production costs and, by extension, food prices, they are viewed as essential for fostering a more sustainable and equitable agrifood system. In Tanzania, the application of this principle, especially in the fisheries sector, marks a progressive step towards reconciling economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Challenges and Opportunities for Tanzania

Adopting the “polluter pays” principle and addressing the hidden costs in Tanzania’s agrifood system presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, there is the potential for increased food prices and production costs, which could exacerbate food insecurity and poverty in the short term. On the other hand, these measures offer a pathway to more sustainable agricultural practices that could ensure long-term food security and environmental health.

The report underscores the importance of complementing these measures with actions to support farmers and communities most affected by the transition towards sustainability. This includes investments in agricultural technology, education, and infrastructure to improve productivity and reduce dependency on harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Moreover, enhancing access to markets and developing robust social safety nets are critical to cushion the effects of transitioning to more sustainable practices.

The Role of International and Local Collaboration

Addressing the hidden costs in Tanzania’s agrifood system requires a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners. The FAO report highlights the importance of collaboration across these sectors to implement the recommended measures effectively. For instance, the development and enforcement of regulations that embody the “polluter pays” principle necessitate a strong legal and institutional framework, alongside the capacity for monitoring and enforcement.

Furthermore, international partnerships can play a pivotal role in providing the technical and financial support needed to transition to sustainable agrifood systems. This includes sharing best practices, facilitating access to sustainable technologies, and providing financial aid to support the implementation of environmentally friendly practices.

Towards a Sustainable Future

The insights from the FAO’s report on the state of food and agriculture in 2023 serve as a crucial guide for Tanzania and other lower-middle-income countries in navigating the challenges of their agrifood systems. By highlighting the hidden costs associated with current practices, the report not only underscores the urgency of addressing these issues but also charts a course towards more sustainable and equitable food systems.

For Tanzania, this journey involves tackling the social hidden costs of poverty and undernourishment, addressing income shortfalls among the moderately poor, and implementing principles such as “polluter pays” to mitigate environmental impacts. While the path ahead is fraught with challenges, the opportunities for transformative change are immense. With strategic planning, international support, and local commitment, Tanzania can pave the way for a future where its agrifood system supports not just the economic well-being of its people but also the health of its environment.

The FAO’s report is a clarion call for action to transform agrifood systems globally. For countries like Tanzania, it provides a blueprint for addressing the complex web of hidden costs that undermine food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change, population growth, and resource depletion, the lessons from Tanzania’s experience offer valuable insights for crafting resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for the future.

FAO The State of Food and Agriculture 2023