Nairobi. Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, met with Alvaro Lario, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in Nairobi on Monday May 11, 2026 to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation to enhance food security, economic empowerment, and the commercialisation of the agricultural sector.
During the meeting, Dr Nchemba said Tanzania was committed to collaborating with IFAD on several strategic fronts, most notably climate-resilient farming and the ongoing digital revolution within the industry.
He emphasised that the partnership remains vital for the economic empowerment of women and youth, who represent the backbone of the nation’s rural workforce.
A primary focus of the upcoming collaborative phase involves a dedicated programme to scale up sunflower production, a move designed to drastically reduce the nation’s reliance on imported edible oils.
Reflecting on the historical partnership between Tanzania and the international body, Dr Nchemba noted that the relationship has evolved from focusing purely on subsistence to treating agriculture as a robust commercial venture.
He highlighted that crops previously viewed solely as food staples are now being repositioned as key export commodities to strengthen Tanzania’s trade position with other nations.
Furthermore, Dr Nchemba indicated that future cooperation would extend into livestock management and the blue economy, particularly focusing on marine resources in Zanzibar.
Sustainability remained a central theme of the dialogue, with Dr Nchemba stressing that sustainable agricultural practices are essential to Tanzania’s broader campaign against the adverse effects of climate change.
By aligning modern farming techniques with environmental preservation, the government intends to secure long-term productivity and national stability.
Responding to these initiatives, IFAD President Alvaro Lario assured the Tanzanian delegation that the organisation’s strategic plans would remain closely aligned with the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
Mr Lario stated that IFAD is currently awaiting the formal submission of the government’s latest priorities to determine how best to provide technical and financial support.
He noted that the organisation is particularly keen to assist in areas regarding food self-sufficiency and the value addition of agricultural produce to ensure Tanzanian farmers reap the full benefits of their labour.
