Revisiting the 2013 National Agricultural Policy: Strengthening Inclusivity and Sustainability
DOWNLOADDecember 2, 2024 - Dr. Innocensia John
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EmailThe policy brief, authored by Dr. Innocensia John of the University of Dar es Salaam, reviews Tanzania's 2013 National Agricultural Policy (NAP), highlighting its successes and areas for improvement. The NAP was designed to modernize agriculture, boost exports, and promote sustainability. However, it faces several shortcomings that require urgent review to align with evolving global, regional, and national needs.
Key policy objectives include innovations in research, inputs, and infrastructure, alongside priorities for marketing, financing, and addressing cross-cutting issues like gender and environmental concerns. The policy has successfully supported medium and large enterprises through programs like KILIMO KWANZA, TAFSIP, and SAGCOT, enabling agro-processing and commercialization.
However, the policy overlooks the critical role of microenterprises, which are vital for food production, employment, and local livelihoods. It lacks practical measures to support gender equity, particularly concerning land tenure and decision-making. Similarly, food safety is recognized as a concern but remains unaddressed due to the absence of specific regulatory guidelines. Environmental sustainability is emphasized, but strategies for addressing MSMEs’ environmental impacts are missing.
Key challenges identified include inadequate support for microenterprises, limited resources for monitoring and evaluation, and insufficient integration of food safety into domestic agricultural practices. Furthermore, the policy does not address the significant impacts of climate change on agriculture, such as reduced crop yields and soil degradation.
Recommendations:
- Microenterprise Inclusion: Integrate microenterprises into policy frameworks to support food security and rural development.
- Gender Equity: Develop specific strategies for equitable access to resources, leadership roles, and legal protections for women.
- Food Safety: Establish clear guidelines and monitoring systems to enhance the safety and marketability of locally produced food.
- Environmental Sustainability: Promote sustainable practices and mitigate MSMEs' environmental impacts through targeted interventions.
- Policy Review: Update the NAP to incorporate climate resilience, align with the Five-Year Development Plan, and foster cross-sectoral coordination.
Key Takeaways:
- Microenterprises are vital yet underrepresented in the NAP.
- Gender equity needs actionable strategies beyond recognition.
- Food safety gaps pose risks to public health and market competitiveness.
- Climate resilience and environmental conservation are critical for sustainable agriculture.
The brief calls for a comprehensive policy revision to better serve the diverse stakeholders and challenges of Tanzania's agricultural sector.
