“WE CONTINUE TO INVEST STRATEGICALLY IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR: DR. BITEKO”



📌 Experts from Asia and Africa meet to find solutions for agriculture, nutrition, and health


📌 WHO highlights ongoing nutrient deficiencies in women and children


📌 Government to strengthen partnerships in agriculture, nutrition, and health sectors


📌 Agriculture employs over 65% of Tanzania’s population


📌 137,000 health workers recruited to boost digital health initiatives


By the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy


The Government of Tanzania has emphasized that achieving food and nutrition security is not only about increasing crop yields, but also ensuring that what people eat promotes long-term health and well-being.


This integrated approach aligns with national policies and development priorities, and supports the vision of sustainable food systems, which is a key focus of the 10th Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health (ANH) Research Conference 2025.


Speaking on behalf of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, officially opened the conference on June 23, 2025, in Dar es Salaam. He highlighted that agriculture remains a pillar of Tanzania’s economy, contributing around 29% of the GDP and employing over 65% of the population, ensuring food security for millions.


> “We have continued to make strategic investments in this sector. This year, the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget has increased by about 29%. Through government subsidy programs and input support schemes, we’ve reached millions of smallholder farmers with improved seeds and access to fertilizers,” said Dr. Biteko.


He added that through the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) initiative, youth have been empowered to engage in modern agriculture, extension services have been improved, and investments have been made in irrigation infrastructure to make agriculture more productive, economically viable, and nutrition-sensitive.


Regarding nutrition, Dr. Biteko stated that it is a crucial foundation for human and economic development. However, despite notable progress, several challenges remain. Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report, he noted that nearly 30% of children under five in Africa still suffer from stunted growth, and rates of overweight are rising. Women of reproductive age and children continue to face micronutrient deficiencies.


To tackle these issues, the Government has reduced sectoral fragmentation through the National Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan (NMNAP), now in its second phase, aimed at addressing all forms of malnutrition. Tanzania is also promoting the production and consumption of nutrient-rich crops, especially in rural and drought-prone areas, as part of domestic food system transformations.


On health, Dr. Biteko noted that the Government remains committed to global health cooperation. Significant investments are being made in infrastructure, service delivery, and health system reforms. Since 2021, the number of health facilities has increased by about 7%.


> “We have recruited approximately 137,000 community health workers to strengthen primary health services and advance digital health strategies. We are addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as maternal and child health through a range of interventions, including community health workers, national awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement,” he added.


He affirmed that Tanzania will continue to collaborate with partners in agriculture, nutrition, and health sectors, leveraging strong strategic partnerships with international and regional institutions. He also called on conference participants to fully engage in order to develop policies and proposals that will transform food systems for better health and prosperity.


> “Tanzania is actively participating in continental and global food system dialogues, contributing to the African Union Agenda 63, CAADP, and the UN framework,” he emphasized.


UK Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Marianne Young, reiterated the UK’s commitment as a long-term partner in supporting Tanzania’s nutrition, health, and agriculture sectors.


> “We have supported 6.7 million pregnant women with nutritional supplements, promoted hygiene awareness, and helped improve rural water access infrastructure for 5.5 million people,” said Ambassador Young.


Joe Yates, Director of the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health (ANH) Academy, noted that the annual conference is held in African and Asian countries to bring together researchers, scientists, policymakers, and various stakeholders.


The goal is to foster dialogue, share ideas and experiences, and identify key scientific issues to guide the development of agriculture, nutrition, and health policies. This year’s conference is being held in Tanzania in partnership with Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).


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