Tanzania's Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has said the success of agricultural reforms must be measured by improvements in farmers' incomes and welfare, not just output growth. Addressing 75 emerging young agricultural leaders from different countries at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday, Dr Nchemba stressed that a good harvest alone does not guarantee economic success for farming families. 'Higher production is important, but what matters most is the income earned, the security achieved and the opportunities created for families,' he said.
Dr Nchemba, who attended the meeting on behalf of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, identified several barriers preventing farmers from translating bigger harvests into real income gains. High transport costs, inadequate storage facilities and prices that fail to cover production costs mean farmers can increase production without realising the expected benefits. 'These challenges must be addressed collectively to make agriculture a profitable business and an attractive venture for young people,' he said. The Premier called for reliable markets, profitable prices and better infrastructure for storing and processing produce to enable farming families to achieve economic success.
The government is stepping up efforts to support young people in agriculture through multiple channels. Tanzania is expanding access to land for young farmers, linking them with financial institutions and increasing the use of modern agricultural technologies and machinery. Investment is being increased in irrigation projects, improved seed production, research, extension services, warehouses and crop-processing infrastructure. The Prime Minister also called for increased domestic production of fertilisers, improved seeds and edible oils to reduce dependence on imports, citing global economic challenges that have highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic capacity.
The remarks were welcomed by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) President Alice Ruhweza, who commended Tanzania for its progress in irrigation farming, agricultural mechanisation and youth empowerment. She also praised President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in advancing the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme. AGRA, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing a 350 million US dollar programme to empower young people in agriculture across participating countries, including Tanzania. Ms Ruhweza said Tanzania's experience could serve as a model for other African countries seeking to empower young people through agriculture.