Tanzania, IFAD review the AFDP project’s achievement, shift focus to maximizing results

DODOMA: TANZANIA and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are reviewing progress made under the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP), with the focus now shifting to maximising results during the programme’s remaining 18 months.

The discussions were held in Dodoma on Tuesday when IFAD Tanzania Resident Representative Sakphouseth Meng met Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Eng Athumani Kilundumya, to assess the programme’s achievements and map out priorities for the remaining implementation period.

Speaking at the meeting, Eng Kilundumya said AFDP has made significant contributions to seed development, agricultural infrastructure and training for farmers and agro-input suppliers, with about 800 input suppliers receiving training on the proper use of improved seeds.

Additionally, he said the programme has also helped boost seed production, which has reached 68 per cent of the target of producing 13,000 tonnes of improved seed.

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Moreover, Eng Kilundumya cited the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) seed farm in Kilimi, Nzega, where about 90 per cent of the infrastructure has been constructed through AFDP support, as an example of the programme’s impact.

The meeting focused on the Mid-Term Review of AFDP and efforts to strengthen implementation and ensure the programme delivers maximum impact during the remaining one year and six months.

The meeting was also attended by Director of Crop Development Dr Yasinta Nzogela, the AFDP Coordinator and representatives from the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA), Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) and the President’s Office—Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG).