THE World Vegetable Centre (WVC) and the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU), with emphasis placed on strength- ening partnership in the acceleration of research in the area of nutrition and agriculture sector.
Speaking shortly after inking the MoU, WVC Director General Dr Marco Wopereis said the collaboration will help to strengthen more research in farming and the application of fertilisers, weighing a need for vegetable farmers to use fertilisers.
He revealed that the MoU entails heightening relations in areas of common interest while capitalising on comparative advantages and creating synergies toward shared goals of agricultural transformation, food and nutrition security in ending abject poverty.
“The ultimate objective of the collaboration is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1 and 2 whose goal is to enhance food and nutrition security, reducing rural and urban poverty as well as increasing employment opportunities to the youth and women,” noted Dr Wopereis.
In the course of implementing the MoU, he revealed that experts will research the productivity of fertiliser use in vegetable farming.
Such is parallel to the study relating to soil health which has been rolled out in Unguja and Pemba islands among six other islets.
He indicated further that the partnership with IFDC was a continuation of other initiatives in support of seeking lasting solutions in the many challenges facing farmers.
For his part, IFDC President and CEO, Mr Henk van Duijin observed that the MoU also aims to boost cooperation in the exchange of staff as part of the move to encourage scientific knowledge sharing and transfer of technology.
He said the agreement will raise the awareness of farmers on when and where to apply fertilisers in tandem with the soil health in the production of vegetables and crops with full nutrients. Similarly, the agreement is envisioned to spur further research and development of vegetable crops, enhance nutrition and increase food security in the country.
The Director of the Tanzania Chapter of the World Vegetable Centre, Dr Gabriel Rugalema said investing in proper production of enough vegetables will strengthen availability of more nutritious products thus boost the health and income of people.
