Tanzania Has Achieved 128% Food Security

Tanzania is making significant strides in achieving food security, setting a new benchmark for Africa. President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently shared the country’s remarkable achievement of reaching 128% food security, with surplus production now being exported to neighbouring countries. Her comments were made during the World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa on October 31, where she spoke on “Bold Measures to Feed Africa,” moderated by African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

Tanzania’s Achievements in Food Self-Sufficiency

President Suluhu Hassan’s leadership has driven Tanzania to food security, and she highlighted that the country is not just focused on quantity but also on improving the quality, accessibility, and affordability of food. “We are now working on quality, accessibility, and affordability, and how to minimise post-harvest losses,” she said. These efforts aim to create a sustainable and robust food system that not only meets the needs of Tanzanians but also supports regional food security.

She also emphasised the importance of minimising food wastage and improving infrastructure to support agriculture. Tanzania’s commitment to addressing post-harvest losses and boosting food production represents a significant step forward in Africa’s fight against hunger and malnutrition.

African Development Bank’s Role in Supporting Tanzania’s Agricultural Transformation

Dr. Adesina praised President Suluhu Hassan for her strong political will and leadership, which has been instrumental in Tanzania’s agricultural success. He noted that Tanzania’s achievements in food self-sufficiency align with the broader efforts of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to encourage large-scale investment in Africa’s agricultural sector. This commitment was highlighted during the 2023 Dakar 2 Food Summit, where African leaders came together to create country-specific food and agriculture compacts, mobilising over $72 billion for agriculture across the continent.

President Suluhu Hassan stressed that the key to Tanzania’s agricultural success lies in investing in the sector, stating, “We realised that not investing in agriculture is much more costly than investing in the sector.” Tanzania’s approach involves creating supportive structures and institutions for farmers, which includes the African Development Bank-backed programs targeting youth and women.

Focus on Youth and Women Empowerment in Agriculture

Tanzania has implemented the “Creating Jobs for Youth and Women” program, which is targeting the country’s large youth population, which makes up 65% of its population. This initiative provides training in farming, agriculture, livestock, and crop production, with each youth being allocated 10 acres of land. To date, 11,000 youths have benefited from this program, and their harvests have already begun. “We thank the African Development Bank for supporting that program,” President Suluhu Hassan expressed.

This program aims to harness the energy of Tanzania’s youth, ensuring that they have the skills, resources, and support needed to thrive in agriculture and contribute to the nation’s food security. By focusing on youth and women, Tanzania is ensuring the long-term sustainability of its agricultural sector and food security.

Regional Successes: Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Program

Alongside President Suluhu Hassan, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio also shared his country’s success in boosting food security. Through the Feed Salone program, Sierra Leone has reduced its rice imports by 20 million tons and significantly increased agricultural productivity. President Bio acknowledged that the country had previously paid insufficient attention to food security, focusing more on education during his first term. However, he emphasised that agriculture is the foundation of national development.

President Bio’s remarks highlighted the potential for African nations to replicate Tanzania’s and Sierra Leone’s successes in transforming their agricultural sectors. He called for investors to join these efforts, noting that Sierra Leone is an ambitious nation keen on achieving agricultural independence.

Africa’s Growing Potential in Global Food Security

Dr. Adesina stressed the significance of Africa’s role in global food security, pointing out that the continent holds 65% of the world’s remaining arable land and has the potential to become a global food basket. By investing in agriculture, Africa can play a leading role in feeding the world, and events like the World Food Prize Dialogue aim to encourage further collaboration and innovation to address food insecurity.

“Keep on scoring goals for Africa,” Dr. Adesina recalled the words of Norman E. Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution, who encouraged him to continue pushing for agricultural development in Africa. This message encapsulates the collective ambition of African leaders to invest in agriculture, drive economic growth, and enhance food security across the continent.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s impressive achievements in food self-sufficiency provide hope for Africa in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. With continued investment in agriculture, a focus on youth and women, and strong political leadership, Tanzania is setting a powerful example for other African nations to follow. As the African Development Bank continues to support these efforts, there is growing optimism that food security and agricultural productivity across Africa can be transformed, making the continent a key player in global food systems.

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Source: African Development Bank