The Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to procure 10,000 tractors and establish 1,000 integrated agricultural mechanisation service centres at ward level as part of wider efforts to modernise farming, raise productivity and lower production costs for farmers.
Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba announced the plan on Tuesday, February 3, while opening the First Africa Regional Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanisation at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
The conference brings together policymakers, experts and development partners to strengthen regional cooperation under the Framework for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanisation in Africa (F-SAMA).
Dr Nchemba said the initiative is designed to address long-standing challenges faced by small and medium-scale farmers, many of whom still depend on manual labour and rudimentary tools.
He said increased access to modern farm machinery would help boost yields, reduce post-harvest losses and improve efficiency throughout the agricultural value chain.
He noted that mechanisation is not only about increasing production but also about improving livelihoods.
By reducing the time and energy spent on farm work, farmers would have more opportunities to engage in other income-generating activities, contributing to broader economic growth.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to prioritise climate-smart and environmentally friendly agricultural tools that respond to the growing impacts of climate change.
He said such technologies should be capable of withstanding drought, unpredictable rainfall and changing seasons, while at the same time protecting natural resources.
“Modern agricultural tools must reduce the burden of labour, increase productivity and minimise crop losses, while safeguarding the environment,” he said, adding that sustainable mechanisation is essential for long-term food security.
Dr Nchemba also called for stronger and more deliberate involvement of the private sector in the manufacture, distribution and servicing of agricultural machinery.
He said governments across Africa must put in place supportive policies, laws and investment incentives to encourage private sector participation, expand access to farm tools and reduce costs for farmers.
He further underscored the importance of empowering youth and women to actively participate in agribusiness, innovation and the provision of mechanisation services.
He said these groups represent a vibrant and creative workforce that can drive rapid change if given access to skills training, finance, technology and markets.
According to the Prime Minister, empowering youth and women is central to inclusive and sustainable development.
He said progress should be measured through clear indicators such as job creation, establishment of sustainable enterprises and participation in agricultural mechanisation value chains.
He added that the conference provides a platform for African countries, working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the African Union, financial institutions, the private sector, researchers and development partners, to build strong and responsive mechanisation service systems tailored to the needs of farmers.
For his part, Minister for Agriculture Godfrey Chongolo said the Government plans to launch the second phase of the National Agricultural Mechanisation Strategy for 2026–2035.
He said the strategy will focus on expanding the use, local manufacturing, promotion and sustainable management of labour-saving technologies across agricultural production and value addition, reinforcing Tanzania’s drive towards modern, resilient and productive agriculture.
