The Government of Tanzania has finalized comprehensive guidelines on geological agriculture as part of its ambitious plan to ensure that the agricultural sector contributes at least 10 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.
This was announced today, August 8, 2025, by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan during the closing ceremony of the International Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Exhibition held at the Nanenane Grounds in Nzuguni, Dodoma.
This milestone was unveiled today, August 8, 2025, by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan during the closing ceremony of the International Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Exhibition at Nanenane Grounds, Nzuguni, Dodoma.
Addressing stakeholders, Dr. Samia underscored that the guidelines form a critical part of the Third Agricultural Development Plan, which emphasizes innovative and sustainable farming techniques, including geological and mixed farming.
“Our commitment to agricultural transformation is unwavering. Through these guidelines, we are integrating scientific knowledge with traditional farming to improve yields, promote sustainability, and ultimately contribute to the country’s economic growth,” the President said.
To support this initiative, the Government has also inaugurated a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to agricultural research, focusing on seed development, soil analysis, and plant health.
This facility will enable scientists and agricultural experts to develop climate-resilient seed varieties and better understand soil chemistry before distributing improved inputs to farmers.
In a bid to strengthen research, the Government has increased funding for agricultural research to five percent of the agricultural budget a significant boost aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing productivity.
Geological agriculture is an emerging discipline that combines geology the study of earth materials such as rocks, minerals, and soil with agricultural practices.
It involves analyzing soil composition, mineral content, and underground water conditions to guide farmers in selecting the most suitable crops and farming methods tailored to specific land characteristics.
The newly established guidelines emphasize geological soil analysis, including the identification of rock types that form soil substrates, the presence of essential minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, soil acidity (pH levels), water retention capacity, and fertility mapping through geological surveys.
This scientific approach not only enables more precise fertilization using natural mineral resources, such as phosphate and lime-bearing rocks, but also reduces dependency on expensive industrial fertilizers by maximizing locally available inputs.
Experts believe that geological agriculture will revolutionize farming by increasing crop yields, reducing production costs, and promoting sustainable use of soil and water resources.
Additionally, the approach supports efficient drilling for water wells, ensuring better irrigation practices and climate resilience for farming communities.
“The application of geological knowledge in agriculture is a game-changer for Tanzania. It empowers farmers to make informed decisions, leading to improved food security and economic prosperity,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture.
As Tanzania pursues this innovative strategy, the Government remains focused on fulfilling its commitment to raise the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy and improve livelihoods across rural communities.