Reflection on agricultural development in Tanzania since independence: the success and challenges

Abstract

This paper evaluates agriculture in Tanzania since independence. Specifically, the papers has assessed the success and challenges in agriculture in the mentioned period. The paper has adopted literature survey method to evaluate agricultural development in Tanzania since independence. The study revealed that for about two decades after independence, the growth of agricultural sector remained relatively low. The government has done some efforts to improve agriculture. These initiatives include of the National Agricultural Policy, Agricultural Sector Development Programme, and the Kilimo Kwanza. The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) and Big Result Now constitute part of the initiatives. Despite the major initiatives, agriculture in the country remains dominated by smallholder farmers characterized by family labour. Success stories of agriculture in Tanzania include nationalization of the land which created easier access among the farmers and increase in maize production in early years after independence and development of the training institutions dealing with agriculture. On the other hand in Tanzania agriculture in Tanzania is constrained by shortage of capital among majority of the farmers, climate change due to the dependency on rain cycles, low technological adoption and challenges linked to inadequate policy implementation. The study concludes that despite its overall contribution in the livelihood among the communities in Tanzania agriculture remains constrained with a couple of challenges. This reinforces stein measures to improve agricultural productivity. The study recommends on technological improvement that will reduce reliance on climate and upscale small scale agriculture. Secondly, dedication on sustainable irrigation farming is prerequisite to upscale agricultural performance. Likewise, creation of enabling environment particularly among the smallholder farmers including the provision of subsidies is very key for the prosperity of agricultural performance.