MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo, has urged a stronger focus on productivity and efficiency in agricultural projects, particularly irrigation schemes, to economically empower farmers and bolster national food security.
Speaking on December 10, 2025, during a working session with leaders from the Agriculture Transformation Office (ATO), the National Irrigation Commission (NIRC), the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), and the Agricultural Inputs Guarantee and Investment Fund (AGITF), Minister Chongolo highlighted the need for timely execution and high-quality standards in all government-supported agricultural initiatives.
The Minister instructed the NIRC to ensure that irrigation projects are completed efficiently and deliver tangible results for both farmers and the country. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring to verify that government investments yield the expected benefits. Additionally, Chongolo called on the commission to begin mapping rivers across the country suitable for irrigation, a move aimed at increasing crop production and strengthening Tanzania’s agriculture sector.
Regarding the AGITF, Minister Chongolo encouraged the fund to continue providing productive loans to farmers while enhancing oversight to ensure repayments are timely. Effective loan recovery will enable the fund to expand its capital base, reaching more farmers nationwide and supporting broader agricultural growth.
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The Minister also praised the ATO for implementing the Agriculture Master Plan 2050 and instructed the office to accelerate reforms while providing expert guidance to advance the sector. He further commended the ADF for mobilizing financial resources to stimulate agricultural development and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen management and coordination across all agricultural institutions.
Minister Chongolo highlighted that these initiatives are essential to achieving the sector’s goal of contributing 10 percent to national GDP by 2030. By improving project execution, strategically allocating resources, and coordinating institutional efforts, Tanzania aims to modernize agriculture, increase productivity, and enhance the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
Officials say that the integrated approach—combining irrigation, financing, and institutional support—will provide the foundation for sustainable agricultural growth, foster innovation, create jobs, and ensure long-term food security across the country.
