Extension officers to receive fuel boost next FY

DODOMA: AGRICULTURAL extension officers in five regions and twelve local government authorities are set to receive a monthly fuel allocation of 10 to 15 litres in the 2025/26 financial year, Legislators were told yesterday.

The move aims to enhance their mobility and effectiveness in supporting farmers across the country.

The announcement was made yesterday by the Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), Dr Festo Dugange, in the National Assembly in response to a basic question by Ngara MP, Ndaisaba Ruhoro (CCM).

MP Ruhoro had sought clarification on the government’s plans to provide fuel support to these crucial frontline workers in the agricultural sector.

Dr Dugange asserted the government’s strong recognition of the vital role extension officers play in translating national agricultural policies into tangible improvements at the local level.

He highlighted previous government efforts to equip these officers, saying, “To empower extension officers to perform their responsibilities in councils, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, had by March 2025 provided the officers with various working tools, including 6,444 motorcycles, 5,426 tablets, 6,456 uniforms and 40 vehicles.”

The deputy minister further elaborated that the selected local government authorities would utilise their internal revenues to fund the fuel and maintenance of the motorcycles used by the extension officers.

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This, he said, would enable them to better reach farmers, provide essential guidance and ultimately contribute to increased revenue generation for the councils.

In a follow up question, MP Ruhoro wanted to know regarding the potential establishment of a dedicated fund to cover fuel and other necessary allowances for extension officers nationwide.

In his response, Dr Dugange acknowledged the significant work undertaken by extension officers in overseeing agricultural activities throughout Tanzania.

“I assure the MP that the idea of establishing a special fund has been noted by us at PORALG and the Ministry of Agriculture. We will assess its feasibility and determine the appropriate implementation approach. If there are other suitable or improved alternatives, the government will continue to explore them,” he said.