Biotechnology: TZ’s secret ingredient for growth, sustainability

TANZANIA is on the cusp of something big—no, it’s not just another beautiful sunset over Mount Kilimanjaro, but a future where biotechnology could be the key to unlocking national development. Yes, it’s time to embrace the future, and the future is, well, biotech.

And no, this isn’t the stuff of science fiction—it’s happening right here, right now. Countries that have jumped on the biotechnology bandwagon are already reaping the rewards across sectors, and it’s high time Tanzania did the same. From agriculture to healthcare and environmental conservation, biotech is like that secret sauce that can elevate everything it touches.

Think better crops, healthier people, and a booming economy. What’s not to love? Take agriculture, for example. Tanzania, where agriculture feeds millions, can use biotechnology to increase crop yields, reduce losses, and even improve nutritional content.

Imagine genetically modified crops that thrive in less-than-ideal soils or crops that stand strong against pests and drought.

This is not just wishful thinking it’s the future we could be stepping into. With biotech, farmers can boost their productivity and ensure food security, all while avoiding the climate chaos that makes traditional farming so unpredictable.

Dr Toba Nguvila, the Dar es Salaam Regional Secretary, explained it perfectly. Modern biotechnology, he said, isn’t just a nice-to-have tool; it’s an essential one for boosting productivity in agriculture, livestock, industrial production, health, and environmental conservation.

ALSO READ: How China contributes to Africa’s industrial development

The government’s not just sitting idly by either—policies like the National Biosafety Framework (2007) are in place to ensure biotechnology is used safely and ethically. Of course, not everyone is on board. Some people are still a little skeptical, especially in the agricultural sector.

But Dr Nguvila reassured the public that the government is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that biotechnology is safe.

After all, who wants to mess with a technology that could potentially improve lives, save the environment, and boost the economy? In the healthcare sector, biotechnology is already working its magic. With over 250 biotech-derived products in use, from medicines to vaccines, it’s clear that biotech is more than just a buzzword.

Prof Peter Msolla, Chairperson of the Biotechnology Society of Tanzania (BST), highlighted that biotechnology is helping millions of farmers around the world by increasing yields, controlling pests, and contributing to environmental conservation. It’s not just a win for agriculture—it’s a win for the planet.

As Dr Emmarold Mneney, BST’s Executive Secretary, pointed out, biotechnology could help Tanzania move beyond the constraints of traditional farming, providing solutions to everything from drought to soil degradation.

By fostering resilient, sustainable farming systems, biotechnology could fuel long-term economic growth and reduce reliance on oldschool farming techniques.

So, let’s get excited, Tanzanians! Biotechnology is here to stay, and it’s time for us to embrace it, clear the misconceptions, and take our country to new heights. The future is green, healthy, and full of possibilities—thanks to biotechnology!