In recent years, Tanzania has witnessed a growing interest among its youth in the agricultural sector. Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and employing the majority of the population. However, with the allure of urbanization and modern industry, many young Tanzanians have turned away from the agricultural sector.
To address this issue and harness the potential of its youth, the Tanzanian government has taken proactive steps to attract young talent into agriculture.
Through a number of innovative initiatives, the government is working to create a sustainable and prosperous future for both the youth and the agricultural sector.
Agribusiness Programs For Youth
One of the key strategies adopted by the Tanzanian government is the promotion of youth agribusiness. As part of the Kilimo Kwanza “Agriculture First” initiative, the government has set up agribusiness incubation centers across the country. These centers provide aspiring young farmers with training, mentoring and financial support to develop their agricultural business ideas.
For example, in the rural Morogoro region, a group of young entrepreneurs came together to start a sustainable vegetable farm. Under the guidance of the local agribusiness incubation center, they received training on modern agricultural techniques, financial management and market access.
Today, their business supplies fresh vegetables to nearby city markets and has become a model for other youth-led agricultural businesses.
National Youth in Agriculture Program (NYAP)
The National Youth in Agriculture Program (NYAP) is one of the flagship initiatives launched by the Tanzanian government to attract young talent into agriculture. The program provides comprehensive training and support to young individuals interested in agriculture and agribusiness.
Through NYAP, young farmers gain access to improved farming practices, modern technology and financial support to start their businesses. Rukia, a 24-year-old graduate, was disillusioned with limited job prospects after graduation.
Through NYAP, she received training in modern farming techniques and financial literacy. Rukia used the funding provided to start her own vegetable farm and within a year became a successful agribusiness woman supplying fresh produce to local markets.
To promote entrepreneurship and innovation among young farmers, the Tanzanian government has set up Youth Agribusiness Incubation Centers across the country.
These centers offer a nurturing environment where young farmers can receive mentorship, access resources and collaborate with like-minded peers.
James, a 28-year-old man with a passion for dairy farming, joined an agribusiness incubation center in Arusha. The center provided him with technical expertise, access to high quality dairy cattle and a ready market for his milk. In a short time, James has expanded his dairy farm and is now mentoring other young farmers in his community.
Agri-Tech Hub: Integrating Technology and Agriculture
Recognizing the importance of technology in modernizing agriculture, the Tanzanian government has established the Agri-Tech Hub, which acts as a bridge between technology startups and young farmers.
The center facilitates the development and dissemination of technology solutions, from mobile applications for crop monitoring to drone-based precision agriculture.
Ibrahim, a tech-savvy graduate, joined the Agri-Tech Hub hackathon and developed a weather forecasting app tailored for smallholder farmers. His app, which provides real-time weather updates and helpful advice, has gained widespread acceptance and is now used by thousands of farmers across Tanzania.
The government invests heavily in training and education programs focused on agriculture. By improving the skills and knowledge of young individuals, these initiatives aim to make agriculture a more attractive career choice.
Modernizing Agriculture Through Technology
Recognizing that technology plays a vital role in attracting young talent, the Tanzanian government is actively promoting digitization in agriculture. Tanzania’s digital agricultural market platform (DigiFarm) is a prime example of this effort.
DigiFarm connects farmers, including young agri-entrepreneurs, with buyers, suppliers and branch services via mobile phones. The platform offers market prices, up-to-date weather information and tips on farming practices, providing young farmers with real-time information.
In the southern region of Mbeya, a group of tech-savvy youths have adopted DigiFarm to sell their organic coffee directly to consumers overseas. By cutting out middlemen and using electronic payment systems, they have increased their profit margins and reinvested in their community.
To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, the Tanzanian government has encouraged universities to establish agricultural centres. These centers serve as centers of excellence for research, innovation and practical training in agriculture.
For example, the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro has transformed its campus into an agricultural living laboratory. Here, students gain practical experience in growing crops, raising livestock and agribusiness. As a result, more and more graduates are choosing to become agri-entrepreneurs, bringing new ideas and innovations to the industry.
Support For Women in Agriculture
The Tanzanian government has recognized the vital role of women in agriculture and has introduced initiatives to support and empower them in the sector. The National Strategy for Youth Involvement in Agriculture (NSYIA) contains specific provisions to strengthen gender equality in the sector.
In the Kilimanjaro region, a group of young women took advantage of these opportunities to start a beekeeping cooperative. With the support of government training programs and financial assistance, they not only increased their honey production, but also expanded into beeswax-based products, generating additional income for their families.
Access to finance and land is essential to support youth involvement in agriculture. The Tanzanian government has taken measures to alleviate the barriers young farmers face in these aspects. Under the Agricultural Finance Corporation, young farmers have access to low-interest loans to invest in their farms.
In addition, the government has set aside some public land for young people who are interested in starting agricultural projects, making it more accessible and affordable. In the northern region of Arusha, a group of young entrepreneurs took advantage of these opportunities to establish a modern poultry farm.
With financial support and the land they acquired, they adopted automated feeding systems and climate-controlled housing, leading to higher productivity and profitability.
A Way Toward Agricultural Resilience
Initiatives by the Tanzanian government to attract young talent to the agricultural sector have yielded promising results.
By promoting agribusiness, introducing technology, creating agricultural hubs, empowering women and facilitating access to finance and land, the government has successfully empowered young people to contribute to the growth and transformation of the sector.
The involvement of young people in agriculture not only ensures food security and economic growth, but also helps to solve the problem of rural-urban migration.
As more young people realize the potential and benefits of agriculture, the sector is poised for a sustainable and prosperous future and Tanzania is well on its way to becoming a leading force in agricultural innovation on the African continent.
With continued support and investment, the youth-led transformation of Tanzanian agriculture will inspire and benefit future generations.
