Hon. Hussein Bashe, Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, has made it his mission to address these challenges head-on through his flagship program, Agenda 10/30. This transformative roadmap aims to revolutionize the sector by achieving an ambitious 10% crop sub-sector GDP growth by 2030, cementing agriculture’s role as a catalyst for national development and prosperity.

“Agenda 10/30 isn’t just another initiative. It’s a blueprint for empowering farmers, strengthening food systems, and building a sustainable future for all Tanzanians,” says Hon. Bashe.

Why Agenda 10/30 is the Flagship Program

Hon. Bashe’s leadership in agriculture has always been defined by bold, innovative approaches to solving systemic issues. Agenda 10/30 encapsulates his vision for transforming the agricultural sector into a vibrant, resilient, and globally competitive industry.

Key reasons Agenda 10/30 stands out as his flagship initiative:

• Comprehensive Vision: It directly aligns with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 by placing agriculture at the center of industrialization, food security, and poverty reduction.
• Data-Driven and Evidence-Based: The roadmap is built on in-depth analysis and stakeholder engagement to ensure it addresses real challenges faced by farmers.
• Inclusive and Sustainable: By prioritizing youth and women in agriculture, the program aims to create lasting socio-economic impact.
• Nationwide Reach: Focusing on 13 key crops, the program supports farmers across Tanzania, ensuring no region is left behind.

“Agriculture is the foundation of our economy, and Agenda 10/30 is the lader we’ll use to lift it to its full potential,” he adds.

A Clear Roadmap for Transformation

• Agenda 10/30 focuses on achieving significant growth in the crop sub-sector by implementing strategic interventions across the value chain. The program prioritizes 13 key crops for their market potential, role in food security, and ability to generate employment:
• Maize, Rice/Paddy, Wheat, Pulses/Beans, Cashew Nuts, Avocado, Sunflower, Cassava, Sisal, Cotton, Soya Beans, Sorghum, and Coffee.

Core Pillars of Agenda 10/30:

1. Improving Inputs: Increasing the adoption of improved seeds and fertilizers to boost yields and resilience.
2. Expanding Irrigation: Utilizing more than 29 million hectares of irrigable land to reduce dependency on rain-fed agriculture.
3. Advancing Mechanization: Replacing manual tools with modern machinery to enhance efficiency and reduce labor intensity.
4. Strengthening Market Access: Ensuring Tanzanian products meet global standards through improved infrastructure, branding, and value addition.
5. Empowering Youth: Launching the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT-YIA) Program to attract young agripreneurs with access to land, capital, and training.

Why It Matters

• Agriculture directly impacts the livelihoods of over 61.1% of Tanzanians, contributing 25% of the national GDP. Despite this, the sector’s growth has remained stagnant, with significant untapped potential.
• Agenda 10/30 seeks to unlock this potential, creating ripple effects across the economy.
• For Farmers: Higher yields, better access to markets, and increased incomes.
• For Youth: New opportunities in agribusiness and innovation.
• For Tanzania: Stronger food security, increased exports, and reduced poverty.

Investment and Collaboration: A National Effort

• Realizing Agenda 10/30 requires a 36 trillion TZS investment over the next decade. Hon. Bashe has emphasized the need for collaboration among the public sector, private investors, and development partners to achieve its ambitious targets.

• Public Investments will focus on research, infrastructure, and extension services.
• Private Sector Partnerships will drive innovation, financing, and commercialization efforts.

“We are not only investing in agriculture but in the future of Tanzania. By working together, we can ensure this vision becomes a reality,” he states.

Building a Legacy of Resilience and Growth

• Under Hon. Bashe’s leadership, Agenda 10/30 is not just a program but a movement. It reflects his unwavering commitment to empowering farmers, advancing rural economies, and securing Tanzania’s position as an agricultural powerhouse.
• As a flagship initiative, Agenda 10/30 represents the pinnacle of his vision for a modern, inclusive, and resilient agricultural sector that benefits all Tanzanians.

“This is our time to transform Tanzanian agriculture, not just for today, but for generations to come,” Hon. Bashe concludes.