Summary
In Tanzania, the AFDP operates under the oversight of the Prime Minister’s Office—Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Persons with Disabilities, specifically through its Policy and Government Business Coordination Division.
MOROGORO: THE government has expressed approval of the Agriculture Seed Agency’s (ASA) responsible and patriotic expenditure of funds allocated under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP).
During the 2022 financial year, the six-year, US$77.4 million initiative (2021–2027) disbursed 8.2bn/- to ASA to support its operations.
Of this amount, approximately 8.1bn/-, equivalent to 98 percent of the funds received, was utilized appropriately in implementing various key projects aimed at enhancing seed production nationwide.
In Tanzania, the AFDP operates under the oversight of the Prime Minister’s Office—Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Persons with Disabilities, specifically through its Policy and Government Business Coordination Division.
During a special visit to review the progress of projects implemented by ASA using AFDP funds, Mr. Paul Sangawe, Director of the Policy and Government Business Coordination Division, noted that the agency had completed the projects within the stipulated timeframe and according to required standards.
“It is highly encouraging to observe the commendable manner in which ASA has managed the AFDP funds with a sense of patriotic responsibility,”
“The projects have been executed in a manner that reflects both the scale of investment and the expected quality.” he stated.
He explained that a key criterion of the AFDP funding framework is for beneficiary institutions to demonstrate value for money in project implementation.
Mr. Sangawe urged the Morogoro-based agency to maintain this standard to remain eligible for future AFDP funding. He also encouraged other institutions in the country to emulate ASA’s example.
Mr. Sangawe was accompanied during the visit by several directors from the Prime Minister’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and the Director of AFDP Programs in Tanzania.
Ms. Mery Machaku, representing ASA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Leo Mavika, informed the delegation that the agency had undertaken a series of key projects using AFDP funds.
These included the rehabilitation and construction of staff housing, procurement of cargo vehicles and agricultural machinery—including tractors—as well as a seed processing plant.
She further affirmed ASA’s commitment to implementing all directives issued by the Government during the visit.
About ASA
The Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) is a Tanzanian government executive agency established in 2006 to produce and supply high-quality agricultural seeds.
Headquartered in Morogoro, ASA serves as a bridge between research and farming by multiplying and distributing seeds, with a focus on increasing production, improving access to improved seed varieties, and fostering private-sector partnerships.
Key Aspects of ASA
Production Capacity: During the 2024/25 season, ASA produced 9,303 tonnes of seeds for strategic crops—a significant increase from 4,510 tonnes in 2023/24, largely achieved through contract growers.
Strategic Focus: The agency is investing in irrigation infrastructure (e.g., in Kilimi, Arusha, and Msimba) to mitigate the effects of climate change on seed production.
Objectives:
-Ensure the availability of high-quality seeds at affordable prices.
-Expand seed distribution networks.
-Promote private-sector participation through public-private partnerships.
Operations: Under the Ministry of Agriculture, ASA manages multiple seed farms and is expanding into regions such as Katavi to ensure nationwide access to seeds.
ASA is a critical partner in Tanzania’s agricultural sector, collaborating with institutions such as TARI and TOSCI to enhance food security.
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