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TRANSCRIPT
A Newsletter of the Agricultural Council of Tanzania
BOOSTING
IRRIGATED
FARMING
ACT ATTENDS
NEWALA
BUSINESS
FORUM
HIGH
POWERED
DELEGATE
VISITED ACT
PRELIMINARY
REPORT ON
PRODUCE CESS
A WORKSHOP
ON THE
AGRICULTURAL
LAND
ACT AT THE
SEED INDUSTRY
MEETING
ACT HOSTED A
DELEGATION
FROM NEW
ZEALAND
ACT FEATURED
AT THE G-8
MEETING
KILIMO KWANZA-Putting agriculture in the fore-front
We unite, we dialogue, we advocate
Issue No. 10.April—June 2012
In early April 2012, our Government made a deal with a first class
irrigation giant M/S Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd of India to promote
irrigation farming in Tanzania by providing technical and material
support. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives signed a
memorandum of understanding to that effect.
The Indian firm is technologically advanced in the management and
utilization of water. It is therefore imperative to capitalize on its wide
experience in irrigation agriculture which would facilitate the evolution
of irrigation by transforming medium and small–scale farmers into
modernized and commercialized players. This responds to the 9th pillar
of Kilimo Kwanza.
Boosting Irrigated Farming
ACT attends Newala Business Forum The Newala Private Sector Business Forum – popularly called ULINGO,
organized one day meeting which was attended by its members and
other stakeholders. This event took place on 22nd March 2012 in
Newala township.
Three main topics were presented:
Reporting on a study tour made by ULINGO team to Mueda
Province, Mozambique.
LIMAS plan to enhance performance of cashew farmer groups in
Newala district.
ACT presentation on its mission and role in the struggle to improve
the agricultural sector.
ACT participated in response to a request from ULINGO. This was
another opportunity to expand our exposure and consolidate the
relationship with partners.
INSIDE ISSUES
ACT at the seed industry
meeting ACT participated in a Seed Industry
Stakeholders Annual Meeting which was held
in Arusha on 27th April 2012. The objective
of this event was to discuss on development
strategies that will enable Tanzania to
become self-sufficient in quality seed supply
for internal and external market.
The meeting deliberated on various issues
pertaining to the development of the seed
industry in Tanzania, specifically strategies
to improve local seed production. Finally, the
participants endorsed the establishment of a
Seed Industry Development Fund. In this
regard, a task force was elected to oversee
the realization of the Fund. The meeting was
opened by then Minister for Agriculture,
Food and Cooperatives, Prof. Jumanne Ma-
ghembe, and was chaired by its Permanent
Secretary, Mr. Mohamed Muya.
Preliminary Report on Produce
Cess The Centre for Sustainable Development
Initiative – CSDI was contracted by ACT to
undertake a study on Cess Taxation System
in Tanzania related to agricultural produce.
It is hoped that this study will facilitate
ACT’s informed advocacy engagement on this
matter.
This assignment is expected to last for
approximately five months. A Preliminary
Report on the field findings was submitted by
CSDI Consultants on 4th. April 2012.
According to the contract, a final report will
be submitted in July / August 2012.
2 ACT NEWS—ISSUE NO. 10
ACT NEWS
A high power delegate visited
ACT On 20th April 2012, ACT hosted a delegation
composed of farmers from Eastern and Central
Africa. A visit to Tanzania was facilitated by the
Eastern Africa Farmers Federation EAFF based in
Nairobi, Kenya. This is a regional network of national
farmer organizations, national cooperatives and
commodity associations. ACT is a member of this
organization. The delegation was led by EAFF
President, Mr.Philip Kiriro.
The purpose of the visit, among other things, was:
To introduce the Organization to two relevant
Ministries: Agriculture, Food & Cooperatives and
East African Cooperation.
To have a discussion on Food Security issues, and
the Regional Compact and Agriculture Investment
Plan.
EAFF delegation together with ACT staff at ACT offices in Dar es salaam
Welcoming a delegation from New
Zealand
On April 16, 2012 ACT received a delegation
from New Zealand. It come for the design
mission aiming at improving the agriculture
sector in Africa. A key objective of the mission
is to detect one or two niche areas that New
Zealand agricultural expertise can make a
practical difference as well as opportunities
for direct commercial linkages.
The visitors acknowledged the key role ACT is
playing in the enhancement of the Tanzanian
agricultural sector. They also realized the
unlimited opportunities available in the
agricultural sector. The New Zealand aid
programme has modest resources to
support beef or dairy sector initiatives in
Tanzania.
A workshop on the agricultural land
In March 2012, Eastern Africa Farmers
Federation – EAFF organized a three days
meeting to deliberate on the availability of
agricultural land for big farmers and outgrowers.
The meeting was held in Nakuru, Kenya. Countries
represented were: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda,
Burundi, Congo-DRC and Tanzania. ACT was
represented by Mr. Devangwa Mmari and Mr.
Saidi Saidi.
The discussion was on how small farmers can
interact with large agricultural companies to
address the agricultural agenda. The key issue
was how big investors can cooperate with
smallholders to solve common challenges. EAFF
Secretariat was asked to record what was re-
solved and circulate the report to its mem-
bers and other stakeholders.
3 ACT NEWS—ISSUE NO. 10
ACT NEWS
ACT featured in the G-8
Meeting
In the mid-May 2012 ACT Executive Director
was among the team which accompanied
President Jakaya Kikwete to a meeting of the
Group of Eight major industrial nations, popularly
called the G-8.That meeting was hosted by the
USA President, Barack Obama at Camp David,
Maryland.
President Kikwete was invited to share with
other international leaders his experience in
strategic leadership to improve agricultural
production and productivity, as well as enhance
food security. The theme of the meeting was
“The State of Agriculture and Food Security". Tanzania is highly acknowledged for achieving
success in implementing agricultural programs,e.g.
ASDP,TAP and SAGCOT.
Visitors from the Meat Board
On 24th May 2012, a three man delegation from
the Tanzania Meat Board visited ACT to
introduce itself and see how to collaborate for
mutual benefit. The team comprised of Mr.
Kenneth McMillin, Livestock and Meat Marketing
Specialist, of the Farmer-to-Farmer Program,
CNFA, Mr. Jeremiah Temu, Livestock Officer,
Ministry of Livestock Development and Fisheries,
Mrs. Suzana Kiango, National Coordinator of the
Tanzania Meat Board.
The visiting team appreciated ACT’s role as a
lobbyist and advocator on behalf of the members
and stakeholders. In this regard, both sides
discussed challenges impeding the development
of the meat industry in Tanzania and how to join
hands to address them. The meeting identified
several areas where collaboration is required,
finally agreed to keep in touch.
•BEST-AC organized a training
f o r A C T s t a f f o n
Communication Skills & Methods
for Effective Advocacy.
It was facilitated by Indigo.
The venue was TPSF office,
Dar es Salaam .Dated
17th– 27th April 2012.
•ACT scheduled Board Meeting
met in Dar es Salaam on 28th
April 2012.
•ACT organized a media
roundtable on 4th May 2012 at
Blue Pearl Hotel, Dar es
Salaam. It was another
c h a n c e f o r A C T t o
e s t a b l i s h a c l o s e r
relationship with media people
in harnessing opportunities in
agricultural information.
•Three officials from ACT
Secretariat (Saidi Saidi,
Cleophas Rwechungura and Milly
Sanga) attended a three days
workshop on Knowledge
Management and Learning
14th -16th May 2012 in Nairobi,
Kenya.
•ACT Chairman (Mr. Salum
Shamte), the Executive
Director (Mrs. Janet Bitegeko)
and a member of the
organization (Mrs. Mary Liwa)
attended SACAU Annual
General Meeting which
took place in Madagascar
from 26th to 31st May 2012.
ACT NEWS
EVENTS
A farmer at his demonstration plot in Mbozi,Mbeya
One of the old warehouse reconstructed by TAP at
Mndepwende Namtumbo in Ruvuma
4 ACT NEWS—ISSUE NO. 10
Tanzania Agricultural Partnership – TAP is a unique initiative which came to being
in 2006. It started as a pilot project in five districts: Kilombero, Mufindi, Mbarali,
Mbeya Rural and Songea Rural. It was later upgraded to a programme envisaged to
cover 25 districts by the end of 2010.
TAP’s mandate is to facilitate smooth delivery of agricultural inputs, encourage the
best farming practices, improve output market linkages, and stimulate private sector
investment.
TAP focuses on a value chain development through public – private - partnerships.
Currently, it is concentrating on paddy and maize crops. The essence is to bring to-
gether different agricultural sector actors with a view to be more efficient, produc-
tive and profitable.
TAP is a development entity working under the guidance of the Agricultural Council
of Tanzania, and responsible to its Board of Directors. The Norwegian Government
is the main funder of its operations.
Contacts:
National Coordinator
Tanzania Agricultural Partnership
P. O. Box 14130,
Dar es Salaam
Tel: +255-22-2128032
KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT TAP
1. To unite and strengthen the private
organizations in agriculture for rapid
development including its modernization
and commercialization
2. To actively undertake participative and
consultative lobbying and advocacy role on
key private sector agricultural issues on
behalf of members and stakeholders
3. To promote, coordinate and protect the
interests of all stakeholders in the
agriculture and agribusiness in the
country
4. To enhance agriculture position in the
development of the country
ACT’s Missions
Do you need to be informed? Contact.
Executive Director:
Agricultural Council of Tanzania
P. O. BOX 14130, Dar es Salaam
TEL:255 22 2124851,
FAX: 255 22 2128032,
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB SITE: www.actanzania.org
To be the most effective private sector
apex organization pursuing a modern-
ized and commercialized agriculture
in Tanzania
ACT’s VISION
1. Ms. Janet Bitegeko—Board Chair
2. Mr. Mark Magila—Member
3. Mr. Saidi Saidi—Member
4. Mr. Cleophas Rwechungura—Member
5. Ms. Milly Sanga-Member
6. Ms. Catherine Evarist-Artist
Editorial Board
5 ACT NEWS—ISSUE NO. 10
ACT NEWS
TAP Field Operation Manager and Sumbawanga District
Coordinator inspecting a maize demonstration plot