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Mizengo Pinda, the former Prime Minister of Tanzania and current presidential advisor on agriculture, is scheduled to inaugurate the Eastern Zone Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition this coming Saturday at the Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere showgrounds in Morogoro Region.
The Nane Nane event, an annual highlight in Tanzania’s agricultural calendar, officially begins on Friday, with exhibitions and activities extending through August 8 — a national public holiday honoring farmers and agriculture across Tanzania.
According to Regional Commissioner Adam Malima (external bio), preparations for the event are 98 percent complete. He noted that this year’s exhibition is expected to attract over 80,000 visitors and more than 500 exhibitors from the Eastern Zone — encompassing the regions of Dar es Salaam, Pwani (Coast), Tanga, and Morogoro.
This year’s theme, “Choose Good Leaders for Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries,” emphasizes the critical role of leadership in driving sustainable development and climate-smart agriculture in the region.
Morogoro Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr. Mussa Ali Mussa, confirmed that free daily training sessions will be provided on a range of topics including:
- Soil fertility and organic inputs
- Post-harvest management
- Taxation in agriculture
- Value addition of farm and animal products
Training will be conducted daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with each session expected to benefit over 100 participants.
The grounds will be free of charge for children under the age of five and for students, a move aimed at inspiring youth engagement in agriculture and related innovations.
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The exhibition will showcase groundbreaking innovations and technologies from agricultural institutions such as:
- Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
- APOPO, famous for training African Giant Pouched Rats to detect landmines and diseases like tuberculosis
- Tanzanian research centers and community-based organizations focused on sustainable agriculture
Last year’s edition drew more than 6,800 schoolchildren and thousands of farmers from across the region. Organizers anticipate even greater turnout this year thanks to improved infrastructure, better water supply, and enhanced planning.
Celebrated every August 8, Nane Nane — meaning “eight eight” in Swahili — is a public holiday dedicated to recognizing the pivotal role of farmers in Tanzania’s economy. It was first introduced in 1977 following reforms by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Tanzania’s ruling party.
Exhibitions take place across eight different agricultural zones, including the national show in Dodoma, offering a rare opportunity for rural farmers to interact with scientists, policymakers, and agribusiness professionals.
This year’s Eastern Zone edition in Morogoro is poised to reflect the country’s commitment to empowering its farmers, embracing innovation, and creating inclusive agricultural policies for future generations.
