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Tanzania Positions Itself as an Agricultural Powerhouse at CAADP Summit

by Grace Kisembo

Tanzania has emerged as a beacon of agricultural success in Africa, garnering praise from fellow leaders at the recent Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) summit.

Representing Tanzania at the summit, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa highlighted the country’s commitment to research and innovation, emphasizing collaborations with the private sector and public institutions to enhance agricultural productivity. He underscored the nation’s strides in producing high-quality food crops, particularly rice and maize, drawing commendation from leaders across the continent.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, in a powerful address, urged African nations to shift their focus from exporting raw commodities to value-added products. “We are losing jobs and money by selling raw agricultural products,” President Museveni stressed, citing the stark difference in earnings from selling raw coffee versus processed coffee. He implored fellow leaders to embrace value addition to unlock greater economic potential and create more employment opportunities, particularly for youth.

This sentiment resonated deeply with the summit attendees. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat, echoed the call for youth involvement in agriculture, emphasizing the urgent need to address food insecurity and malnutrition across the continent. “Why does Africa still have hunger when we have enough land?” he queried, highlighting the critical role of youth engagement in achieving food security and improving nutrition.

The summit also saw the adoption of the next phase of CAADP, focusing on inclusive food production systems that integrate various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and health. This holistic approach aims to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape across the African continent.

Norway’s Minister for Development Cooperation, Bjorg Sandkjaer, representing development partners, acknowledged the progress made while acknowledging the ongoing challenges of reaching target populations. She reaffirmed the commitment of development partners to collaborate with African nations to ensure the Kampala Declaration translates into tangible improvements in food security and nutrition across the continent.

Tanzania’s success story at the CAADP summit serves as a powerful example for other African nations. By prioritizing research, fostering private sector engagement, and embracing value addition, Tanzania has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve significant strides in agricultural productivity and contribute significantly to food security in Africa.

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