The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen agricultural education among secondary school students through its innovative “Amali” programme, which offers hands-on learning experiences during this year’s Nane Nane exhibitions in the Eastern Zone.
Held at the Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere grounds in Morogoro, the annual exhibition has seen SUA engaging students in practical activities in areas such as livestock keeping, horticulture, pasture management, and entrepreneurship.
These efforts aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice while empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals.
SUA Vice Chancellor, Prof Raphael Chibunda, said the Amali programme is being implemented practically at Mafiga Secondary School in Morogoro Municipality as part of a long-term plan to nurture students’ interest in agriculture and innovation.
“This initiative is not just about exposing students to agriculture. It is about preparing them to become changemakers, equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to solve real-world agricultural challenges,” said Prof Chibunda during a tour by former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda.
Mr. Pinda visited the SUA pavilion and witnessed a range of innovative technologies and educational tools designed to support smallholder farmers and elevate the country’s agricultural sector.
Among the highlights was SUA’s Mobile Genomic Laboratory, a cutting-edge facility capable of diagnosing animal and plant diseases in real-time.
“This mobile lab is a national asset,” Prof Chibunda noted. “It uses ICT-based systems to collect, process, and deliver test results onsite, helping to control outbreaks of diseases such as African swine fever, PPR, Covid-19, and Mpox.”he added
The former Prime Minister was also briefed on SUA’s demonstration plots for forage cultivation, efforts to address malnutrition, and initiatives underway at the university’s National Animal Hospital.
He engaged with students from Mafiga Secondary School enrolled in the Amali programme, who shared their aspirations to pursue careers in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and agribusiness.
Mr. Pinda commended SUA’s leadership for its commitment to inclusive agricultural development and its efforts to ensure knowledge reaches the grassroots level.
“I am impressed by SUA’s dedication to training young people and ensuring communities have access to life-changing knowledge and technologies,” he said.
“Youth must be fully engaged in agriculture because they are the future experts and innovators.”he added
He called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries to unlock the full potential of value chains and improve livelihoods across the country.
“There’s no development without cooperation,” he stressed. “Farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs must continue sharing experiences and ideas to achieve transformative growth.”