Tanzania agricultural stakeholders call for modernization in southern regions

During an agricultural stakeholder workshop in Mtwara, Lindi Regional Commissioner Zainab Telack called for increased cooperation to modernize farming in the Ruvuma, Lindi, and Mtwara regions. Highlighting the success of the cashew nut sector, which generated over 260 billion shillings, Telack emphasized that other crops could achieve similar productivity if farmers are provided with modern tools, such as tractors, to manage larger areas of land.

Geoffrey Kirenga, Executive Director of the Agricultural Growth Corridors Tanzania (AGCOT), noted that the workshop aims to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors. However, concerns were raised regarding potential production shortfalls in 2026 due to a shortage of high-quality sesame seeds.

In a broader context regarding Tanzanian agriculture, statistics indicate a decline in the percentage of the population engaged in farming, dropping from 80% to 60%. Experts attribute these losses to poor project management, lack of reliable information regarding crop suitability and markets, and the risks associated with unmanaged loans and unpredictable weather patterns.