MWE Correspondent
Tanzanian President and ruling party presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to intensify investment in the country’s coffee sector, emphasizing support for farmers and the role of youth in agriculture during a visit to Kagera Region today.
Speaking to local farmers, she highlighted initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, improving crop quality, and providing modern farming equipment.
President Suluhu stressed that the government’s ongoing “Agriculture as Business” program seeks to empower both young people and established farmers, ensuring Kagera remains a leader in high-quality coffee production. “We are committed to supplying superior seedlings, increasing the value of our crops, and providing tractors to enhance efficiency and yields,” she said.
The president’s strategy focuses on practical solutions for farmers: better access to high-quality seedlings to improve harvests, investment in value addition through processing and packaging, and mechanization support to boost farm productivity. These measures aim not only to raise incomes for smallholder farmers but also to strengthen Tanzania’s presence in regional and global coffee markets.
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Farmers attending the rally expressed optimism, noting that access to improved seedlings and modern farming machinery could help them overcome challenges such as low yields and climate variability. Many said that these interventions would allow them to expand production and generate higher household incomes.
President Suluhu also highlighted the importance of engaging youth in agriculture, noting that empowering the next generation of farmers is essential for sustainable development and the modernization of the sector. Training programs and access to financing are key components of this approach, designed to make agriculture more profitable and attractive to young people.
Kagera, renowned for producing some of Tanzania’s finest Arabica coffee, has historically been a significant contributor to the country’s agricultural exports. By strengthening the local coffee industry, the government hopes to preserve the region’s competitive advantage while creating broader economic opportunities for rural communities.
Analysts note that this renewed focus on coffee aligns with Tanzania’s broader development agenda, which emphasizes value addition, rural empowerment, and industrial growth. Investments in modern agricultural practices not only improve export potential but also enhance livelihoods for farmers across the country.
