The importance of generating locally relevant agricultural knowledge in Tanzania cannot be overstated. While global markets can readily supply many agricultural products, knowledge generated through research and intellectual property is rooted in creativity and innovation. This innovation provides solutions to challenges posed by nature and changing agricultural conditions. Tanzania's agricultural research is primarily undertaken by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), a state-owned institution responsible for agricultural research.
TARI has established research centres across different agro-ecological zones to address the needs of specific crops and farming systems. For instance, TARI Naliendele focuses on crops commonly grown in Mtwara and Lindi regions, including cashew nuts, Bambara nuts, pigeon peas and sesame. Other research centres include TARI Selian, TARI Ilonga, TARI Uyole and TARI Ukiriguru, each addressing agricultural research priorities relevant to their respective areas.
The 2014 Malabo Declaration called on African countries to allocate at least 10 per cent of their national budgets to agriculture to support the transformation of the continent's economies. However, Tanzania is among the countries that have not reached the target. The allocation to TARI has also remained below five per cent of the national budget. In contrast, some high-income countries allocate a significantly higher percentage of their budget to agricultural research institutions.
Finland, Ireland and Norway are among the leading countries in terms of food security, according to the Global Food Security Index (GFSI). These countries allocate between 9 and 15 per cent of their national budgets to agricultural research institutions. For example, Finland allocates between 12 and 15 per cent to LUKE, its Natural Resources Institute, while Ireland allocates between 10 and 13 per cent to Teagasc, its agriculture and food development authority.
The strategic importance of agricultural science and technology is highlighted by China's 2017 acquisition of Swiss agricultural technology company Syngenta for about 43 billion US dollars. This acquisition demonstrated how agricultural innovation, biotechnology and related intellectual property have become important components of global economic and food-security strategies.
Increasing investment in agricultural research is crucial for Tanzania and Africa more broadly. It is not simply about supporting scientists and research institutions; it is about developing locally relevant solutions to the challenges facing farmers and the wider agricultural economy. The country needs to strengthen investment in research, innovation and human capacity while ensuring that research findings are effectively transferred from laboratories and research centres to farmers and agribusinesses.
Agricultural transformation will ultimately depend not only on land, inputs and markets, but also on the knowledge and innovation needed to make the sector more productive, competitive and resilient. Therefore, Tanzania must prioritize investment in agricultural research and innovation to achieve its development objectives and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
Key points
- Tanzania's agricultural sector requires increased investment in research to boost productivity and competitiveness.
- The country needs to allocate a higher percentage of its national budget to agricultural research institutions.
- Agricultural innovation and biotechnology have become important components of global economic and food-security strategies.
