Tanzania has underscored its commitment to building resilient food systems and enhancing public health through sustained strategic investment in agriculture, nutrition, and healthcare delivery.
Speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the official opening of the 10th Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH) Research Conference in Dar es Salaam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, said the country recognizes that food and nutrition security is not just about increasing yields, but ensuring that what people consume strengthens their health and supports long-term wellbeing.
“Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy, contributing nearly 29 percent to GDP and employing more than 65 percent of the population. We have continued to invest strategically in this sector,” said Dr. Biteko.
He noted that the government had increased the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget by approximately 29 percent in the current fiscal year.
Through targeted subsidy programmes and other input support mechanisms, millions of smallholder farmers have been reached with improved seeds and fertilizers.
Dr. Biteko also pointed to the government’s flagship Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) initiative, which is engaging youth in modern farming, enhancing extension services, and expanding irrigation infrastructure to make agriculture more efficient, profitable, and nutrition-sensitive.
On nutrition, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized its central role in the country’s socio-economic development agenda.
While Tanzania has made notable progress, he acknowledged that challenges remain. Citing the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Biteko revealed that around 30 percent of children under the age of five in Africa suffer from stunted growth, while obesity among children is on the rise. Women of reproductive age also continue to face micronutrient deficiencies.
To address this, the government is implementing the second phase of the National Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan (NMNAP II) aimed at tackling all forms of malnutrition across population groups.
In parallel, Tanzania is promoting the cultivation and consumption of nutrient-dense crops, particularly in rural and climate-vulnerable regions, as part of its broader food systems transformation strategy.
On the health front, Dr. Biteko reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, noting that Tanzania has expanded health infrastructure by nearly seven percent since 2021.
A total of 137,000 community-level health workers have also been recruited to support primary healthcare and digital health initiatives.
“We are tackling both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as maternal and child health, through a mix of grassroots healthcare, national campaigns, and strategic partnerships,” he said.
Dr. Biteko added that Tanzania remains committed to working with international and regional partners to drive transformative change in agriculture, nutrition, and health sectors.
The country continues to participate actively in continental and global food systems dialogues, including the African Union Agenda 2063, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), and the UN Food Systems Agenda.
British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Marianne Young, reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s long-term progress in nutrition, agriculture, and health.
She highlighted that the UK has helped 6.7 million pregnant women access vital nutritional supplements and supported clean water infrastructure for 5.5 million rural residents, while also promoting improved hygiene practices.
Joe Yates, Director of the ANH Academy, said the annual conference is held in different countries across Africa and Asia to foster collaboration among scientists, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
This year’s event is co-hosted by the Government of Tanzania in partnership with Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).
“This platform allows us to share scientific evidence, policy insights, and practical experiences. The goal is to generate knowledge that informs policy and drives action toward sustainable agriculture, improved nutrition, and better health outcomes,” said Yates.
Dr. Biteko urged participants to use the platform to forge solutions and contribute to reshaping food systems that ensure healthier populations and resilient communities.
“Tanzania is ready to learn, lead, and partner in global efforts to transform agriculture and nutrition for a better future,” he concluded.
