The Chairman of the Council of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Andrew Massawe, has underscored the institution’s commitment to strengthening practical agricultural training as he inspected ongoing infrastructure developments at the Mizengo Pinda Campus in Katavi.
The projects, financed under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) initiative, include the construction of a new academic block and a student hostel, being executed by TIL Construction.
The facilities are expected to expand training capacity and improve the learning environment for students pursuing agricultural studies.
Speaking during the visit, Massawe said the investments were part of broader efforts to align higher education with Tanzania’s economic priorities, particularly in enhancing the productivity and technological adoption of the agricultural sector.
“This campus has significant potential to drive agricultural innovation, especially in communities located far from major research centers,” he said.
“The infrastructure being developed here will strengthen our ability to deliver hands-on training and research that directly responds to national development needs.”
Massawe also toured the 689 hectares allocated for campus expansion. University officials say the land will support demonstration farms, research fields, and additional academic and residential facilities as enrollment grows.
During a meeting with campus leadership, the Council Chairman emphasized the importance of maintaining construction standards and ensuring that HEET-funded projects are delivered on schedule.
He further commended the Mizengo Pinda Campus for ongoing collaboration with local communities, noting that such partnerships are essential in transferring research findings to farmers, cooperatives, and youth agribusiness initiatives.
The HEET project, implemented in several public universities across the country, aims to enhance teaching facilities, research infrastructure, and industry linkages in order to produce graduates equipped for employment and enterprise in strategic sectors of the economy.
At SUA’s Mizengo Pinda Campus, the initiative is expected to broaden access to agricultural training, strengthen community engagement in modern farming practices, and support the development of new agribusiness solutions suitable for rural environments.