Tanzania and the Netherlands work together on a supportive business climate in the agriculture sector
In April 2021 Ambassador Jeroen Verheul and the Agricultural Advisor met the Tanzanian Ministers of Agriculture and Livestock. During the meetings developments in relation to the Memorandum of Understanding in Agriculture and Livestock sectors were discussed as well as business related challenges. Various projects and associated services are implemented in aquaculture, poultry and potato value chains. The meetings led to renewed commitments between the two countries on the development of the sectors.
The Netherlands and United Republic of Tanzania have a long historical relationship in the agriculture sector. The relationship has been characterized by strong economic and diplomatic ties, growing trade and investment, exchange of knowledge, experiences and expertise. In 2019 the two countries signed Memorandum of Understanding in Agriculture and Livestock sectors to provide the framework for the public private partnership in order to develop a robust, vibrant, inclusive and sustainable investments in the two sectors. As a result of the Memorandum of Understanding various projects and associated services are implemented in aquaculture, poultry and potato value chains. The implementation of these projects continues and a supportive business climate plays an important role in their success.
Meeting between ambassador and Minster of Agriculture and Minister of Livestock
On the 9th and 10th April, 2021 H.E Ambassador Jeroen Verheul paid a courtesy visit in Dodoma to the Minister Agriculture Hon. Prof. Faustine Adolf Mkenda and in Dar es salaam to the Minister of Livestock Hon. Mashimba Mashauri Ndaki respectively. During the meetings developments in relation to the Memorandum of Understanding in Agriculture and Livestock sectors were discussed as well as business related challenges. The business related areas which were discussed included the contribution regulatory institutions can make to support operations of the provide sector. This also entails providing clear guidelines and understanding on the legal operating frameworks within the regulatory functions. For example in the registration of new crop varieties under the seed act.
Some of the topics discussed were the regulatory mechanisms for the protection of fish breeders rights, as currently there is no institution which offers such protection. And the process of clearing fish (especially fingerlings) at the airport for demonstration farm purposes. Currently time taken for clearance at the airport affects the survival of the fingerlings.
The Government of Tanzania through Ministry of Livestock explained that they will be establishing fish farming field schools (FFFS) in district councils (184) in the country to transfer knowledge and skills on best management practices of fish farming. This intervention is anticipated to build capacity of prospective fish farmers to exploit existing potential for fish farming in a manner that ensures economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Focus on balance between public and private sector and services
The Ambassador encouraged the Government of Tanzania to find a balance between what can be done by the private sector and what can be supported by the public sector, especially tapping into areas where the private sector has accumulated strength. H.E. Jeroen Verheul also encouraged the Government of Tanzania to find a balance between private extension service and public extension service and suggested to strengthen and complement private extension services provided by commercial farms and cooperatives. He also suggested to engage strong intermediaries to connect farmers to agricultural markets through agribusiness operators citing the example of Eat Fresh project implemented by GBRI in Iringa.
Hon. Prof. Faustine Adolf Mkenda elaborated on the efforts made by the Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Agriculture to improve the business environment in line with blue print for regulatory reforms. He highlighted their work in some of the “silent” areas which are important for the business climate, including improvements around security, political stability, macroeconomic stability, low inflation rate, stable exchange rate, low fiscal deficit, infrastructures for economic services, efficiency of public services delivery and quality of manpower. The Minister also requested to communicate on the business climate to investors to present a bigger picture as to where Tanzania aspires to go.
For any other agricultural questions to the Agricultural Counsellor feel free to contact us via dar-lnv@minbuza.nl. For the latest updates follow us on twitter @NLAgriTanzania or register for our newsletter by sending an email.