Summary
Agriculture remains the country’s largest employer and holds the greatest potential to accelerate inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty and transform rural communities.
By Our Correspondent | Dodoma
THE Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has called for increased public and private investment in agriculture, describing the sector as Tanzania’s most powerful driver of economic growth, employment creation and improved livelihoods.
AGRA Tanzania Country Director, Vianey Rweyendela, said agriculture remains the country’s largest employer and holds the greatest potential to accelerate inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty and transform rural communities.
He stressed that greater investment in the sector would enable more Tanzanians to benefit from the country’s economic progress while unlocking opportunities across agricultural value chains.
“For Tanzania to sustain its development trajectory and ensure wananchi fully benefit from economic growth, we must invest more in the sector that employs the majority of our people. That sector is agriculture,”Mr Rweyendela said.
He made the remarks in Dodoma while briefing journalists on the achievements of agricultural programmes jointly implemented by AGRA, the government and development partners in Kigoma, Rukwa, Katavi, Tabora and Dodoma regions.
Mr Rweyendela cited the remarkable transformation of Majimoto in Katavi Region as compelling evidence of how strategic investment in agriculture, combined with improved infrastructure, can stimulate rural economic growth and create vibrant commercial centres.
Recalling his first visit to Majimoto in 2017 during the launch of AGRA’s 2.0 Strategy, he said the area was then a flood-prone settlement with poor infrastructure, limited public services and little economic activity.
Nearly a decade later, he said, Majimoto has evolved into a bustling township with thriving businesses, financial institutions, hotels and emerging industries, creating employment opportunities and improving household incomes.
“Today, Majimoto is a self-sustaining township. It has two banks, hotels and a growing number of businesses providing essential services. The demand for housing has risen sharply, pushing up rental prices as the local economy continues to expand,” he said.
According to Mr Rweyendela, the success story demonstrates that investment in agriculture delivers benefits well beyond increased food production. It attracts private investment, expands markets, creates jobs, strengthens local economies and improves access to essential social and economic services.
He underscored the need to strengthen agricultural value chains, modernise farming systems, expand irrigation, improve rural infrastructure and promote value addition to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Mr Rweyendela said sustained collaboration between the government, development partners and the private sector will be crucial in unlocking Tanzania’s vast agricultural potential and building a resilient, competitive and commercially driven agricultural economy.
His remarks are in line with the ambitions of Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050, which identifies agriculture as the backbone of the economy and envisions a highly productive, competitive and climate-resilient sector capable of creating millions of jobs, increasing household incomes and positioning Tanzania as a regional leader in food production and agro-processing.
The Vision also prioritises comprehensive reforms across crop production, livestock, fisheries and forestry, with a strong emphasis on raising productivity, promoting value addition, improving market access and increasing agriculture’s contribution to national economic growth.
