Farming for the future: The government doubles down on ecological agriculture—but can tradition really power modern food systems?
DODOMA – In a move that could redefine how Tanzania grows its food, the government has once again thrown its full support behind ecological farming. Through the Ministry of Agriculture (https://www.kilimo.go.tz/), officials reaffirmed their commitment to work hand-in-hand with key partners such as Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Tanzania (https://www.pelumtanzania.or.tz/). The goal? To expand sustainable agricultural practices that not only protect the environment but also deliver tangible benefits for farmers and the nation as a whole.
Speaking during the celebration of PELUM Tanzania’s 30th anniversary in Dodoma, Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Stephen Nindi praised the organization’s long-standing contribution to agriculture. According to Dr. Nindi, PELUM has played an instrumental role in shaping agricultural and rural land policies, laws, and strategic plans—helping set the foundation for a more resilient and eco-friendly farming system.
Over the past three decades, PELUM Tanzania has influenced major national strategies such as the Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy and seed legislation frameworks. It has also helped craft guidelines for community-based seed production, empowering farmers to produce and manage their own seeds sustainably.
Dr. Nindi revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture plans to deepen this collaboration, especially with partners focused on indigenous seed systems. A key priority is supporting the formal registration of traditional farmer varieties. So far, thirteen traditional seed types have successfully earned legal recognition—a milestone that strengthens local biodiversity preservation.
Taking this vision even further, the ministry aims to establish a national seed gene bank in coordination with ecological agriculture stakeholders. The initiative will serve as a long-term safeguard for indigenous seed varieties, ensuring that Tanzania’s rich agricultural heritage is both preserved and developed for future generations.
According to Dr. Nindi, strengthening ecological agriculture is not just an environmental goal—it’s an economic and social necessity. By adopting sustainable methods, Tanzania can improve its resilience to climate change, boost food production, enhance national food security, and raise farmers’ incomes. “It’s about aligning agriculture with the realities of our changing world,” he emphasized.
He also called on all players in the agriculture sector to actively participate in the ongoing review of the 2013 National Agriculture Policy. The revision aims to ensure that sustainability remains at the heart of future farming initiatives.
At the celebration, farmers already practicing ecological methods shared their experiences. Many credited PELUM Tanzania for providing crucial training and promoting the use of locally adapted seeds. One such farmer, Ms. Mary Mbaga from the Kilimanjaro Region, explained how switching to traditional seeds changed her life. “These seeds helped me earn more, educate my children, and better support my family,” she said. By using traditional seeds within ecological farming systems, she reported higher yields that allow her to sell surplus produce and stabilize her household income.
Mbaga also highlighted that traditional seeds tend to retain soil fertility for extended periods, outperforming hybrid or imported varieties in sustainability. “Those of us who rely on indigenous seeds never go hungry, no matter the season,” she added with conviction.
But here’s where it gets controversial: as globalization accelerates and hybrid seeds dominate markets, can traditional varieties truly compete in yield and commercial viability? Mbaga and many farmers believe they can—but only if the government and development partners amplify investments in local seed promotion and identification of small-scale seed producers, particularly those in rural areas who quietly sustain the nation’s food system.
Should Tanzania continue investing heavily in traditional, ecological methods—or pivot toward modern, high-yield hybrids to meet growing demand? Which path do you think brings a safer, more sustainable future for farmers and the planet? Share your thoughts below.
