Morogoro. Japan and Tanzania have launched the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Agricultural Hub at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro.
This collaboration aims to strengthen skills in irrigation agriculture and improve food production through knowledge exchange and research.
Japan’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Mikami Yoichi, stated at the launch that the hub is designed to enhance dialogue and facilitate skills transfer in irrigation agriculture, where Japan has excelled.
He highlighted that Japan’s advanced irrigation technology and expertise will now be shared with Tanzanian farmers through the hub, creating an opportunity for local agricultural experts to benefit from Japan’s cutting-edge innovations.
“This platform will bring together professors and experts to conduct research and disseminate irrigation technology, enabling farmers to increase productivity,” said the Ambassador.
“Through this collaboration with the Sokoine University, we aim to enhance Tanzania’s irrigation capabilities,” he added.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Wilson Mahera, described the hub as a vital resource for advancing irrigation technologies and increasing crop yields.
He emphasised that Tanzania would greatly benefit from Japan’s expertise, which could lead to increased agricultural productivity and improved economic outcomes for local farmers.
“With access to modern irrigation technologies, Tanzania can boost food production and create jobs in agricultural industries. The hub will also play a key role in achieving food security, with surplus produce being exported to international markets,” said Dr Mahera.
SUA deputy vice chancellor for academics, research, and consultancy, Prof Maulid Mwatawala, noted that the university’s core mission is to train agricultural engineers.
“He added that the JICA Agricultural Hub will support this goal by providing students and researchers with the opportunity to deepen their expertise in irrigation technologies.”
Prof Mwatawala also referenced President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent remarks in Ruvuma, where she outlined Tanzania’s target to expand irrigation agriculture to cover 50 percent of the country’s agricultural land by 2030.
The government aims to establish eight million hectares dedicated to irrigation, which is key to increasing food production and combating climate change.
“Tanzania has set ambitious goals for irrigation agriculture, and the BBT initiative will train agricultural engineers to lead efforts in improving food security and water management,” said Prof Mwatawala.
“This collaboration will provide valuable solutions to climate change challenges, helping us sustainably manage our water resources,” he added.
The JICA Agricultural Hub, through its focus on research, training, and technology transfer, will play a crucial role in Tanzania’s agricultural development and its efforts to adapt to changing environmental conditions.