Government pushes for better nutrition
DODOMA: MINISTER for Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo, has urged Tanzanians to prioritise nutritious diets to promote healthy growth and improve their quality of life as the country prepares to mark World Food Day 2026.
Speaking to journalists in Dodoma, Mr Chongolo said the annual event, observed on October 16, reminds the public of the collective responsibility to ensure every citizen has access to adequate, safe and nutritious food while building strong, inclusive and sustainable food systems.
He said Tanzania will mark the 46th World Food Day this year, with national celebrations scheduled to take place at Usagara grounds in Tanga Region from October 10 to 16.
“The celebrations remind us of our collective responsibility to ensure every citizen gets adequate, safe and nutritious food while building strong, inclusive and sustainable agricultural and food systems,” he said.
Mr Chongolo said the celebrations will provide a platform for learning, showcasing technologies and innovations, exchanging experiences, linking farmers with markets and forging partnerships in production, trade, nutrition and food security.
He called on farmers, livestock keepers, fishermen, youth, women, the private sector, research and education institutions, cooperative societies, development partners, civil society organisations, government institutions and the public to participate actively in the event.
This year’s theme is ‘Today’s Innovation, Better Nutrition for Tomorrow Towards Vision 2050’.
Mr Chongolo said the theme highlights the need to invest in innovation, science and technology, climate-resilient agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, value addition and productive markets to build food systems that put nutrition at the centre of decision-making.
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He said Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 provides a framework for building a strong economy and improving livelihoods, with agriculture playing a critical role beyond food production.
According to the minister, the sector was expected to create employment opportunities for young people, attract private-sector investment, increase farmers’ incomes, supply raw materials to industries and expand domestic and export markets.
“Innovation in agriculture is no longer an option; it is a national necessity. Adequate food is the foundation of national security, good nutrition is the foundation of a productive population, and competitive agriculture is the foundation of a strong economy,” Mr Chongolo said.
He urged Tanzanians to use the celebrations to learn about and showcase innovations, explore available opportunities and contribute to improving the country’s food and nutrition situation.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director for Marketing in the Ministry of Agriculture’s Marketing and Food Security Department, Dr Abel Mutembei, said that although Tanzania produces enough food to meet domestic demand, nutrition remains a challenge in some areas.
He said some people do not eat balanced diets containing different food groups needed for healthy growth. Dr Mutembei said the exhibitions will showcase technologies, different food groups and research findings on nutrient-enriched foods to help improve people’s diets.
He added that the exhibitions will give the public an opportunity to learn about nutritious foods and innovations aimed at improving nutrition.
