Young people in Tanzania have been urged to make effective use of technology, innovation and knowledge in the agricultural sector to create employment and business opportunities while adding value to agricultural products.
The call was made in Dodoma by Agri Youth Forum Director Isaya Silungwe while speaking at the Tanzania Youth Agroecology Conference 2026.
He said the organization is working to ensure that young people become an important part of the agroecology value chain by equipping them with knowledge and awareness about opportunities available in the sector.
Silungwe said Agri Youth Forum is also working to ensure that young people understand government policies and strategies related to agroecology, including national strategies aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural production.
He said this will enable young people to identify opportunities arising from government strategies and participate more effectively in the agroecology value chain.
“We want to educate young people so that they can understand the opportunities available within the government’s strategies for advancing agroecology,” Silungwe said.
He added that Agri Youth Forum, as an umbrella organization for young people in agriculture, has an important role to play in connecting youth with opportunities within the agroecology value chain and involving them in discussions on seeds, policies, technology and other key areas.
Silungwe commended the government for recognizing the role of youth organizations and agroecology stakeholders in driving change, saying youth participation is essential in building production systems that protect land, the environment and food security.
He said the three-day conference provides an opportunity for young people and stakeholders to discuss issues related to youth development, food safety, land conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
“We want to ensure that our land is safe, our agricultural products are safe and food consumption is safe,” he said.
He also thanked all stakeholders who contributed to making the conference possible, saying the knowledge and discussions generated should enable young people to take action and bring positive changes to their communities.
Silungwe said Agri Youth Forum believes that food safety and healthy consumption must begin at the production level, while there is also a need to change perceptions about development, agricultural production and food consumption.