Tanzania and Canada have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector, focusing on improving productivity, promoting modern farming technologies, and increasing benefits for farmers in both countries.
The discussions took place on April 15, 2026, in Dodoma between Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Hon. David Silinde, and a delegation from the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians (CAFP) led by Yasmin Ratansi.
Hon. Silinde said Tanzania is committed to expanding its partnership with Canada to transform agriculture into a more productive and technology-driven sector that supports economic growth and food security.
He said the government is continuing to improve the investment climate in agriculture by encouraging private sector participation, strengthening extension services, and promoting the use of modern farming technologies to increase yields and reduce post-harvest losses.
According to him, the potential areas of cooperation include agricultural research, exchange of experts, irrigation development, farm mechanization, and investment in strategic crops as well as fertilizer production.
He noted that these areas are key in improving both the quality and quantity of agricultural produce and enhancing competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Hon. Silinde further said the government is prioritizing irrigation development to reduce dependence on rainfall, explaining that modern irrigation systems will help farmers stabilize production and improve resilience against climate change impacts such as droughts and erratic rainfall.
On her part, Hon. Yasmin Ratansi said Canada is ready to work closely with Tanzania in strengthening agricultural development initiatives that directly benefit farmers and improve food systems.
She highlighted the role of the International Development Research Centre (International Development Research Centre), noting that it can play a key role in supporting agricultural research, innovation, and knowledge sharing between the two countries.
Hon. Ratansi emphasized the need for reliable agricultural data, saying accurate statistics on farmers and production systems are essential for effective planning, targeted interventions, and efficient use of public resources.
She also stressed the importance of involving farmers directly in agricultural decision-making processes to ensure that policies and programs reflect real needs on the ground.
According to her, farmers should be active participants in shaping the future of the sector rather than passive recipients of government support.
In addition, she called for stronger and more effective cooperative societies, saying they remain an important structure for improving farmers’ access to markets, credit, inputs, and training.
She noted that well-functioning cooperatives can help farmers increase their bargaining power and improve household incomes.
Both sides also agreed on the importance of promoting agribusiness development beyond primary production.
They said value addition, agro-processing, and improved market access are critical in ensuring that farmers earn more from their produce and move toward commercial farming.
The discussions reflected a shared commitment by Tanzania and Canada to modernize agriculture through innovation, skills transfer, and investment in key value chains that support smallholder farmers, who remain the backbone of the sector.
The meeting in Dodoma is part of Tanzania’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships aimed at transforming agriculture into a more productive, resilient, and commercially viable sector that contributes significantly to national development and improved livelihoods in rural communities.
