On September 23, 2026, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, officially opened the third Zanzibar Organic Festival 2026 at Dole Kizimbani in the West “A” District, Urban West Region. The festival, held under the theme “Think Globally, Eat Naturally,” aims to bring together farmers and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and technologies for sustainable food production practices. President Mwinyi emphasized his government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector.
President Mwinyi's government plans to improve production infrastructure, promote modern technologies and irrigation systems, and expand access to affordable financing for farmers. The goal is to enable farmers to increase food production at affordable costs while preserving soil fertility, water sources, and the environment. This initiative also aims to ensure food security and protect consumers' health. The President stressed the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in Zanzibar.
To promote organic farming, President Mwinyi has launched the Zanzibar Organic Agriculture Strategy. He directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock to establish a dedicated Organic Agriculture Unit to coordinate organic farming activities across Zanzibar. This unit will oversee the implementation of organic farming practices and provide support to farmers. The President's directives aim to boost organic agriculture in the region.
President Mwinyi also directed the Ministry to assess the possibility of including organic agricultural inputs in the government's agricultural input subsidy program. He emphasized the need for the safe and proper use of agricultural inputs. The President's initiative aims to support farmers by providing them with affordable and sustainable agricultural inputs. This move is expected to increase crop yields and improve food security.
The President urged hotels, restaurants, and food suppliers to increase their purchases of produce grown by Zanzibar farmers through the Farm-to-Table system. This initiative aims to expand markets for farmers and increase their incomes. By supporting local farmers, the hospitality industry can contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector. President Mwinyi's call to action is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
During the festival, President Mwinyi presented awards to various stakeholders and sponsors supporting efforts to develop the agricultural sector. He was also presented with an honorary award in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the development of agriculture in Zanzibar. The awards ceremony acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organizations working to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.
The third Zanzibar Organic Festival brought together farmers, stakeholders, and sponsors to promote sustainable food production practices. The festival provided a platform for knowledge sharing and exchange of technologies. President Mwinyi's participation and pledge to support the agricultural sector are expected to have a positive impact on the development of sustainable agriculture in Zanzibar. The festival's theme, “Think Globally, Eat Naturally,” resonated with the President's message of promoting sustainable agriculture.
Key points
- President Mwinyi pledges to continue investing in the agricultural sector to improve production infrastructure and promote modern technologies.
- The Zanzibar Organic Agriculture Strategy aims to promote organic farming practices across Zanzibar.
- President Mwinyi urges hotels and restaurants to support local farmers through the Farm-to-Table system.
