DODOMA: STAKEHOLDERS in the fertiliser industry will gather in Dodoma on October 11-12, 2024, to address key issues related to fertiliser usage.
As Tanzania focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, soil health and sustainability, this symposium will bring together leading figures from the agricultural sector, including policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and practitioners.
The event will spotlight sustainable fertiliser use, policy development and technological advancements in agriculture. It will also provide accurate information on fertiliser application practices.
This symposium is a precursor to World Fertiliser Day or Mbolea Day, which takes place on October 13 and emphasises sustainable fertiliser use for food security while highlighting soil health.
Since 2020, Mbolea Day has been organised annually by the Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA).
The event aims to educate, foster community engagement and advance TFRA’s initiatives in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
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This year, the celebration will be extended to both Dodoma and Manyara regions, featuring a series of events focused on health, community engagement and showcasing agricultural innovations and sustainable practices.
At the Dodoma symposium, TFRA authorities will discuss topics such as creating a conducive regulatory framework for the fertiliser sector, quality management, fertiliser use and efficiencies, domestic fertiliser production in Africa, and the role of youth and women in the fertiliser sector’s transformation.
In 2021, the Tanzanian government launched a subsidy plan to reduce fertiliser costs and other agricultural inputs, aiming to help smallholders increase farm yields.
The country’s agricultural transformation relies on a complex set of inputs, including fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation, energy, marketing, storage and transportation infrastructure.
Fertilisers have significantly contributed to meeting food needs and securing a sustainable future for agriculture by enhancing crop nutrition and increasing yield productivity.
Key grain-producing regions such as Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, Rukwa, Songwe, Katavi and Ruvuma have witnessed improvements in living standards due to the use of fertilisers. Minister for Agriculture Hussein Bashe, the chief guest at the Dodoma symposium, emphasises that fertilisers have been pivotal in modernising Tanzania’s agriculture.
“The government has developed a strategy to subsidise fertiliser prices, enabling small-scale farmers nationwide to increase production, address rising commodity prices, ensure food security and boost the availability of raw materials for domestic industries,” he says.
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In the past three years, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has actively engaged the private sector to build fertiliser plants. The government believes that economic transformation requires knowledge beyond what the government alone can provide.
Current efforts include fostering continuous dialogue between the private and public sectors, with the government focusing on regulatory oversight rather than direct involvement in business activities.
Lifting Farmers from Low Production
Stagnant smallholder production, vulnerability to natural disasters and the effects of climate change have historically hindered sector growth.
To address these challenges, TFRA has been running a nationwide campaign to encourage fertiliser use among farmers to boost incomes and improve livelihoods.
Tanzania’s agricultural progress is evident, with the current generation of farmers benefiting from fertilisers and other inputs. Renowned researcher Deborah Bryceson notes, “While farmers remain, they are no longer peasants in the traditional sense. Most Tanzanians are pleased to have moved beyond that label.” This progress suggests that Tanzania’s agricultural revolution is on the horizon.
The government is working with various partners, both domestic and international, to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment and preserve natural resources.
Efforts aim to address the challenges of shrinking agricultural land and a growing population while minimising environmental impact. Reducing poverty and improving food security and employment for small-scale farmers have been government priorities since independence in 1961.
After decades of subsistence farming, Tanzanian farmers are now leading efforts to restructure the economy. Policies over the past 63 years have re-established agriculture as a central economic force.
The widespread use of fertilisers has made food more accessible and available. However, with the population projected to reach 77.5 million by 2030, promoting agricultural innovation and educating farmers on modern techniques are crucial for future nutrition and sustainability.
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To ensure agriculture remains the cornerstone of the national economy, technical advancements must increase yield per hectare without being overly capital-intensive. Limited fertiliser use is often due to insufficient knowledge among farmers, lack of market access and high fertiliser prices.
Tanzania’s strategic location, surrounded by landlocked countries with high fertiliser use, and its extensive network of railways, roads and waterways position it well to meet the growing demand for fertilisers and support regional agricultural development.
