Members of Parliament sitting in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Administration, Constitution and Legal Affairs have been briefed on the implementation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP), a key government initiative aimed at increasing productivity and improving livelihoods in the agriculture and fisheries sectors across the country.
The briefing was led by the Vice Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Edwin Swalle, who said lawmakers were satisfied with the progress of the programme after receiving detailed explanations on how it is being implemented under the coordination of the Prime Minister’s Office – Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities.
Hon. Swalle said AFDP has already reached a significant number of citizens in different parts of the country through interventions designed to improve production and increase incomes.
He said the programme has supported farmers with improved seeds, promoted seaweed farming in coastal areas, and enhanced fish fingerlings production to strengthen aquaculture activities.
He noted that these interventions are already contributing to better livelihoods, especially for smallholder farmers and fishing communities, who form a large part of the country’s population. He added that the Committee recognizes the programme as an important tool for advancing inclusive economic growth.
Hon. Swalle further emphasized the need for stronger involvement of local government leaders, particularly council directors, in identifying the real needs of citizens at the grassroots level.
He said effective coordination at the local level would help ensure that AFDP interventions are better targeted and reach more beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas.
He also called for continued collaboration between government institutions and local authorities to improve implementation and ensure that the programme delivers measurable impact to communities.
On her part, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office – Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Ummy Nderiananga, said AFDP implementation involves close collaboration with various sector ministries and senior government officials, including Permanent Secretaries, to ensure smooth coordination and effective delivery of results.
She said this multi-sectoral approach has strengthened accountability and improved efficiency in implementing the programme, ensuring that resources are used effectively to benefit citizens.
Nderiananga added that the government remains committed to expanding the reach of AFDP so that more farmers and fishers benefit from modern farming techniques, improved inputs, and capacity-building programmes that support higher productivity and better incomes.
She said agriculture and fisheries remain key pillars of Tanzania’s economy, and programmes like AFDP are central to driving transformation, improving food security, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for citizens.
The engagement session was aimed at building a stronger understanding among Committee members on the progress, achievements, and challenges of the programme, while also strengthening dialogue between policymakers and implementers.
The government continues to prioritize agricultural transformation as a pathway to inclusive development, with AFDP playing a critical role in supporting citizens at the grassroots level to participate more effectively in economic activities.
