Tanzania sees food security as core of national security, economic stability

DES MOINES: PRIME Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has said Tanzania considers food security a critical component of national security and a foundation for maintaining economic stability.

He said reliable access to food and adequate nutrition plays a significant role in improving people’s livelihoods and enabling the government to manage other economic indicators effectively.

Dr Nchemba made the remarks while addressing journalists at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, United States, on the sidelines of the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue (Borlaug Dialogue).

The Prime Minister, who is in the United States representing President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, said: “Food security in Tanzania is a matter of national security. When food availability and nutrition are stable, we are in a stronger position to manage other economic indicators.”

Dr Nchemba said his experience leading the ministries responsible for agriculture, livestock and fisheries, as well as finance, had enabled him to understand the direct link between food production and economic stability.

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He noted that Tanzania had continued to demonstrate resilience despite recent global economic challenges, adding that stable food production had contributed significantly to the country’s resilience.

“Achieving food security requires sustained investment, scientific innovation, climate-resilient agriculture, sound policies and cooperation among the government, the private sector and research institutions,” he said.

Outlining Tanzania’s priorities, Dr Nchemba said the government aimed to transform the entire agricultural and food system by increasing productivity, strengthening value chains, expanding crop processing and improving transport and supply systems.

He said these measures were intended to ensure that a greater share of the value generated from agriculture remains within the country, while creating more opportunities for farmers and expanding employment prospects for young people.