Browsing: Agriculture

Smallholder farmers currently make up 70 per cent of sub-Saharan Africa’s population, contributing some 90 per cent of food production…

Recently, there has been a widespread recognition towards agriculture as an engine of growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.  Yet the sector keeps under performing in many parts of our continent and other developing countries.

Globally, women produce 50% of global food products and comprise, on average, 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries according to FAO statistics. In African countries, according to the UNDP, the economic and social discrimination against women actually costs Africa USD 105 billion a year or 6% of the continent’s annual Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

In Tanzania, agriculture is a principal source of income and livelihood for about 65% of the population contributing an estimated 30%to the GDP. There is a greater participation of women than men in the sector split 81% and 73% respectively -the number increases to 98% for women in rural areas.

Many of the world’s poorest countries rely on …

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has set aside Ths.127.3 billion ($55.3 million) for funding agriculture projects in the country for three years beginning January 2020.

A State House statement said that IFAD president Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo revealed this on 20^th May 2019 when he held talks with President John Magufuli.

Houngbo who was in the country for a three-day official visit hailed president Magufuli`s government for the strong efforts in implementing various development projects including those funded by IFAD.

He said after setting aside the funds, IFAD is now waiting for the Tanzanian government to indicate key areas for the money to be allocated, noting that he hopes the projects will be implemented since Tanznaia is a peaceful country, and given the way the government has shown its commitment.

In his remarks President Magufuli thanked the international agency for the support and promised that the working …

Commissioning of an Agricultural Trade Information System (ATMIS) in the country will spur rapid growth of the economy as farmers, agro-dealers, regulators and consumers interact easily online.

TradeMark East Africa`s (TMEA) Country Director, John Ulanga said ATMIS is a powerful digital platform that brings together all agriculture stakeholders including experts in the field and markets for commodities.

`Digitization of the agriculture sector will contribute towards rapid economic growth in the East African region because it will provide access of our commodities to the regional market,` Ulanga said while opening training of stakeholders on the how to use ATMIS in Dar es Salaam last week.

He said among other things, the platform will be used by Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to issue permits for various goods and services but also allow farmers and agro dealers pay fees and commission online.

Ulanga further noted that TMEA has invested in the development…