Farming future unfolds at Nane Nane 2025 in Z’bar

ZANZIBAR: THE 2025 Nane Nane Farmers’ Day exhibition in Zanzibar has exceeded expectations, attracting hundreds of visitors, from students and teachers to entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners — to the Dole–Kizimbani showgrounds in Unguja’s Urban West Region.

Running from August 1 to 14 under the theme “Agriculture is Wealth – Preserve Peace, Farm Innovatively,” the exhibition has brought together 340 participants, including government institutions, private organisations and small-scale businesses.

It has been a vibrant hub for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovations and highlighting the central role of agriculture in Zanzibar’s economy.

For many attendees, the event has been more than a display of products, it has offered an immersive, hands-on learning experience.

Teachers from primary and secondary schools praised the exhibition for exposing students to realworld farming practices, from soil testing to livestock care.

“We thank the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar for organising this event. It’s an invaluable opportunity for our students to see and understand the full production chain,” said Ms Jamila Abdallah Shaabanteacher from Potoa School.

She was joined by Ms Hadia Hassan Mussa- a teacher and Ms Nibrat Mohammed Juma- a student both from Dr Ali Mohamed Shein School, praising the government for engaging students and teachers from different schools.

Educators said that students, teachers and members of the public had responded enthusiastically. The event provided a platform for public and private institutions to promote their services and for entrepreneurs to boost sales, helping stimulate household incomes and the wider economy.

Still, some teachers suggested improvements. They called on the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock to create designated rest areas for school groups and manage the daily number of visiting schools to avoid overcrowding. “

Today we came with many students and it was difficult to keep them in their own groups. A better schedule would make the learning experience even more effective,” said Mr Hassam Omar – a teacher.

At the official opening of the exhibition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Zanzibar’s farming sector.

Permanent Secretary Mr Ali Khamis Juma urged farmers to adopt improved seed varieties, use organic fertilisers and take advantage of soil testing to increase yields while conserving limited arable land.

The ministry has strengthened soil testing services and partnered with institutions producing ecofriendly organic fertilisers. In collaboration with the Zanzibar Correctional Facilities (Mafunzo-Prisons), it also organised demonstrations on freshwater fish farming, encouraging farmers to tap into this profitable market.

“The exhibition offers practical training on modern agricultural technologies to shift mindsets and move away from outdated farming practices,” Mr Juma said.

Entrepreneur Ms Saum Hassan Ali, who grows fruits and vegetables, described this year’s event as “vibrant and full of opportunity,” especially for small businesses looking to connect with customers and market their produce.

Minister of Water, Energy and Minerals, Mr Shaibu Hassan Kaduara, toured the exhibition, showing his personal commitment to farming. “I came to learn and see first-hand the technologies and knowledge shaping agriculture. After retirement, I plan to invest in farming and these exhibitions are a perfect place to start,” he said.

M Kaduara urged citizens to explore innovative urban farming methods to overcome land shortages, saying such approaches could increase food security and household income. He praised new technologies for cultivating coconut and clove trees and has already sought technical support to implement them himself.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) used the platform to promote affordable credit for farmers. Economist Mr Charles Mbinga announced reduced lending rates for agricultural loans — from 6 to 5.7 per cent— to make it easier for farmers to finance production, especially during harvesting seasons.

He encouraged farmers to attend exhibitions like Nane Nane to learn about emerging technologies and market trends.

This year’s Nane Nane comes at a time when the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has placed agriculture at the heart of its 2025–2030 election manifesto. The plan prioritises: Establishing a National Food Reserve with upgraded warehouses and new silos in Dunga (Unguja) and Chamanangwe (Pemba) with a 60,000-tonne capacity.

Other plans include expanding the production of cloves, fruits, vegetables and spices, with youth involvement and export incentives; Protecting farmland through policy and legal frameworks; Building cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses; Strengthening research, extension services and access to quality inputs; and promoting Agro-processing to add value to local produce.

These goals align directly with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), which calls for ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.

By focusing on productivity, market access and environmental conservation, Zanzibar’s strategy supports both national self-sufficiency and global commitments to sustainable food systems.

Agriculture remains one of Zanzibar’s largest employers and a key pillar of its rural economy. However, challenges such as limited arable land, climate change and outdated farming methods have slowed progress.

Events like Nane Nane, which blend public awareness, training and market exposure, are essential in accelerating the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and reducing dependency on imported food.

SDG 2’s targets, such as doubling the productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, ensuring sustainable food production systems and maintaining the genetic diversity of seeds, are reflected in the exhibition’s practical demonstrations and training sessions.

With political will, financial support and strong public participation now converging, Zanzibar’s journey toward an agricultural renaissance seems firmly underway. If sustained, this momentum could help the islands achieve not only their national development targets but also contribute meaningfully to the global quest for zero hunger and sustainable rural livelihoods.