In a decisive move aimed at accelerating economic transformation and strengthening food systems, Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Daniel Chongolo, has announced a comprehensive set of six strategic priorities that will guide the country’s agricultural sector in the 2026/2027 fiscal year.
The announcement was made during the presentation of the Ministry’s budget estimates before Parliament in Dodoma, underscoring the government’s renewed commitment to modernizing agriculture as a central pillar of national development.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, employing over 65 percent of the population and contributing approximately 26–30 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to recent national statistics.
The sector also accounts for a significant share of export earnings, making it critical for both domestic food security and foreign exchange generation. Against this backdrop, the government’s latest policy direction seeks to address persistent challenges such as low productivity, limited access to markets and finance, climate variability, and inadequate use of modern technologies.
Strategic Priority 1: Enhancing Productivity and Agricultural Output
At the core of the government’s agenda is the objective to significantly increase agricultural productivity and output. Minister Chongolo emphasized that Tanzania has vast arable land estimated at over 44 million hectares yet only about 15 million hectares are currently under cultivation. This gap represents a major opportunity for expansion and intensification.
To address productivity constraints, the Ministry has outlined several interventions, including strengthening agricultural research institutions, scaling up the production and distribution of improved seeds and seedlings, and increasing access to subsidized agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and crop protection chemicals. The government plans to expand fertilizer subsidy programs, building on past initiatives that have demonstrated positive yield improvements, particularly in staple crops such as maize and rice.
In addition, the Ministry aims to promote mechanization through the establishment of dedicated service centers that will provide farmers with access to modern farming equipment. These centers are expected to reduce labor constraints and improve efficiency, especially for smallholder farmers who often rely on traditional tools.
Strategic Priority 2: Promoting Decent Employment for Youth and Women
Recognizing the demographic structure of Tanzania where youth constitute a large proportion of the population the government is prioritizing the creation of decent and sustainable employment opportunities within the agricultural value chain. Minister Chongolo highlighted that agriculture has the potential to absorb millions of young people if properly structured and modernized.
The Ministry plans to implement targeted programs that will empower youth and women through access to land, training, financing, and market linkages. Agribusiness incubation centers will be established to nurture entrepreneurial skills and facilitate the transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, with many young people migrating to urban areas in search of opportunities. By making agriculture more attractive and profitable, the government hopes to reverse this trend and stimulate rural economic growth.
Strategic Priority 3: Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition
Food security and nutrition remain central to Tanzania’s development agenda. Despite being largely self-sufficient in food production at the national level, disparities persist at the household level, particularly in rural and drought-prone areas.
The Ministry’s strategy includes diversifying crop production, promoting climate-resilient farming practices, and enhancing post-harvest management systems to reduce losses. Currently, post-harvest losses in Tanzania are estimated to range between 20–40 percent for certain crops, representing a significant economic and food security challenge.
Nutrition-sensitive agriculture will also be promoted, with a focus on increasing the production and consumption of nutrient-rich crops such as legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Public awareness campaigns and school feeding programs are expected to complement these efforts.
Strategic Priority 4: Improving Access to Finance, Markets, and Export Growth
Access to finance remains one of the biggest constraints facing farmers and agribusinesses in Tanzania. According to financial sector reports, less than 10 percent of smallholder farmers have access to formal credit services.
To address this gap, the government plans to collaborate with financial institutions to design tailored agricultural financing products, including low-interest loans and insurance schemes.
Market access is another critical area of focus. The Ministry aims to strengthen domestic and international market linkages by improving infrastructure, enhancing quality standards, and facilitating trade agreements.
Tanzania’s strategic location within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) provides significant opportunities for regional trade expansion.
Export-oriented agriculture will be prioritized, particularly for high-value crops such as coffee, tea, cashew nuts, horticultural products, and spices. The government targets an increase in agricultural export earnings by at least 15 percent over the medium term.
Strategic Priority 5: Revitalizing the Cooperative Sector
Cooperatives have historically played a crucial role in Tanzania’s agricultural sector, particularly in marketing and input distribution. However, the sector has faced challenges related to governance, transparency, and financial sustainability.
Minister Chongolo emphasized the need to revitalize cooperatives to ensure they effectively serve farmers’ interests. The Ministry plans to implement reforms aimed at strengthening cooperative management, enhancing accountability, and promoting member participation.
Modern cooperative models that integrate value addition, processing, and marketing will be encouraged. By aggregating produce and resources, cooperatives can improve bargaining power and reduce transaction costs for farmers.
Strategic Priority 6: Leveraging ICT for Modern Agriculture
In line with global trends, the Tanzanian government is prioritizing the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to transform agriculture. Digital platforms will be developed to provide farmers with real-time information on weather patterns, market prices, pest outbreaks, and best farming practices.
The registration and formalization of farmers through digital systems is another key initiative. This will enable better targeting of government support programs and improve data collection for policy planning.
Mobile-based solutions are expected to play a significant role, given the widespread use of mobile phones in rural areas. These technologies will not only enhance productivity but also improve transparency and efficiency in the agricultural value chain.
Implementation Framework: 30 Strategic Interventions
To operationalize these priorities, the Ministry has developed a comprehensive implementation framework comprising 30 specific strategies.
These interventions cover a wide range of areas, including soil health testing, expansion of irrigation schemes, establishment of large-scale collective farms, and improvement of extension services.
Soil health management is particularly critical, as studies indicate that soil degradation is a major factor limiting productivity in many parts of the country. The government plans to scale up soil testing services and promote the use of appropriate fertilizers based on soil nutrient profiles.
Irrigation development is another key focus area, with the aim of reducing dependence on rainfall and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Currently, only about 7 percent of Tanzania’s irrigation potential is utilized, highlighting the need for significant investment in this area.
Expected Impact on the Economy
The successful implementation of these strategies is expected to have far-reaching impacts on Tanzania’s economy. Increased agricultural productivity will not only enhance food security but also contribute to GDP growth and poverty reduction.
The World Bank estimates that growth in agriculture is two to four times more effective in reducing poverty than growth in other sectors. By prioritizing agriculture, Tanzania is positioning itself to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
Furthermore, the focus on value addition and export growth is expected to boost foreign exchange earnings and improve the country’s trade balance. The development of agro-processing industries will also create additional employment opportunities and stimulate industrialization.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite the ambitious nature of the plan, several challenges remain. These include limited financial resources, climate change impacts, inadequate infrastructure, and institutional capacity constraints. Addressing these challenges will require strong coordination among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are expected to play a crucial role in mobilizing resources and expertise. Additionally, continuous monitoring and evaluation will be essential to ensure that the strategies are effectively implemented and adjusted as needed.
Conclusion
The Tanzanian government’s 2026/2027 agricultural agenda represents a bold and comprehensive approach to transforming one of the country’s most vital sectors. By focusing on productivity, employment, food security, market access, cooperative development, and digital innovation, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to unlock the full potential of agriculture as a driver of economic growth and social development.
As Minister Daniel Chongolo articulated in Parliament, the success of these initiatives will depend on collective effort and commitment from all stakeholders. If effectively implemented, the outlined strategies have the potential to usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity in Tanzania one characterized by resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Abdul Ramadhani Tanzania
