DAR ES SALAAM: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with AGRA to create more opportunities for young people in agriculture, following growing evidence of the sector’s potential to transform livelihoods across Tanzania.
Opening the Quarter Two Joint Results Review and Reflection Conference (JRRC) in Dodoma, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office – Youth Development, Dr. Kedmon Mapana, commended AGRA for its continued investment in youth entrepreneurship through agriculture and urged more young people to embrace the sector as a viable pathway to prosperity.
The conference brings together government officials, AGRA and implementing partners to review progress under the YEFFA, RE-GAIN and Seed Systems programmes.
” AGRA has demonstrated that when young people are equipped with the right skills, financing and market opportunities, agriculture becomes a source of jobs, wealth and dignity. As a government, we are committed to deepening our partnership with AGRA so that more young Tanzanians can benefit from these opportunities,” Dr. Mapana said.
He also called on Tanzanians to recognize and celebrate the country’s agricultural success stories instead of waiting for outsiders to appreciate them first.
His remarks came after AGRA’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Prof. Jean-Jacques Muhinda, concluded a nine-day field mission across Kigoma, Rukwa, Katavi, Tabora and Dodoma, where he visited youth-led enterprises, farmers, government leaders and development partners supported through AGRA programmes.
Prof Muhinda described the Majimoto rice cluster in Katavi Region as one of the most remarkable agricultural ecosystems he has encountered in Africa.
“I have travelled across many African countries, but I have never seen a rice industry concentrated in one place like I saw in Majimoto, Katavi. More than 150 rice millers operating in one area, it’s simply amazing,” he said.
He added that the mission had strengthened his belief in Tanzania’s agricultural potential.
“After visiting Kigoma, Rukwa, Katavi, Tabora and Dodoma, I am convinced Tanzania is not only a food powerhouse for East Africa, but for the entire African continent,” Prof. Muhinda said.
Dr. Mapana said such international recognition should encourage Tanzanians, particularly young people, to take pride in the country’s agricultural achievements and seize the opportunities emerging through partnerships between the government, AGRA and development partners.
The two days JRRC meeting is expected to review implementation progress, capture lessons learned and identify priorities for scaling youth employment and agricultural transformation across the country.