Tanzania Kicks Off Digital Agriculture Revolution with Joint Programme Kick-Start Meeting

Tanzania has taken a bold step toward modernizing its agricultural sector through digital transformation with the successful convening of the kickstart meeting for the Joint Programme on Data for Digital Agricultural Transformation. This initiative, supported by the Government of Tanzania, United Nations agencies, and development partners, aims to enhance efficiency, empower farmers with data-driven decision-making, and improve food security through digital innovation.

The agricultural sector remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, contributing to over 65% of employment and nearly one-third of GDP. However, the sector faces persistent challenges, including low productivity, limited access to financial services, market inefficiencies, and vulnerability to climate change. Digitalization offers game-changing solutions, and the Joint Programme is designed to address these challenges by providing real-time agricultural data, digital financial services, and market intelligence tools to smallholder farmers.

The Kick-Start Joint Meeting brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, United Nations officials, and agricultural experts to outline a roadmap for the implementation of this transformative initiative. As the first joint meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture and partners, the session focused on reviewing, agreeing upon, and endorsing the implementation plan, as well as consolidating the guidelines for technical discussions and engagement. These elements form a crucial part of the operationalization of the EU-funded Joint Programme.

The programme will drive efficiency and innovation in the agricultural sector through three strategic pillars: Enhancing Agricultural Data Systems by strengthening the availability and use of real-time agricultural data for better policymaking and resource allocation; Scaling Up Agri-Tech Solutions by providing farmers with mobile-based advisory services, weather updates, and financial inclusion tools; and Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships by engaging the private sector to invest in digital agriculture, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Dr. Hussein Omar, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to increase agricultural efficiency. He emphasized that digital solutions will enable smallholder farmers to access critical resources such as finance, insurance, and climate-smart farming techniques.

The Joint Programme is being spearheaded by United Nations agencies, including UNCDF, FAO, IFAD, and UNDP, under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. 

According to Susan Ngongi Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, digital agriculture will be a critical driver of economic transformation, ensuring that farmers benefit from cutting-edge innovations and financial inclusion mechanisms. 

“By harnessing digital tools, we can bridge the gap between smallholder farmers and new opportunities, ensuring they are equipped with real-time data, market access, and the financial tools they need to thrive,” the UN Resident Coordinator stated.

The next phase of the Joint Programme will focus on piloting digital agriculture tools in selected regions before scaling up nationwide. Additionally, the Joint Programme Steering Committee (JPSC) will ensure that implementation remains aligned with national policies and best practices.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work together in ensuring that Tanzania’s digital agriculture transformation is inclusive, sustainable, and farmer-centred.