UNITED STATE: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has proposed a partnership with the World Food Prize Foundation to equip young Tanzanians with skills, research opportunities and support to establish businesses in modern agriculture.
The foundation’s leadership has welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to continue discussions on the possibility of establishing its youth programme, known as the Youth Institute, in Tanzania.
Dr Mwigulu made the proposal on Wednesday, while meeting the foundation’s senior leaders, including its President, Ms Mashal Husain, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tom Vilsack, on the sidelines of the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, in the United States.
The Premier said Tanzania aims to strengthen cooperation between its universities and agricultural research institutions and international partners to enable young Tanzanians to benefit from knowledge, technology and expertise in running agriculture as a business.
He said the government continues to address challenges facing young people in the agricultural sector, including access to land, capital and loans, as well as changing perceptions that agriculture is an activity for people who lack other opportunities.
Dr Mwigulu said the success of some young people who have established companies and employed others demonstrates the opportunities available in modern agriculture and the sector’s potential to create jobs and increase incomes.
For her part, World Food Prize Foundation President Mashal Husain said the Youth Institute programme equips students with research skills and enables them to propose solutions to food and agricultural challenges.
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Outstanding participants also get opportunities to take part in international programmes. Dr Mwigulu also asked the foundation to consider hosting the regional DialogueNEXT conference in Tanzania.
Ms Husain said the foundation was ready to continue discussions on the possibility of holding the event in the country.
Meanwhile, the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tom Vilsack, proposed linking youth training and mentorship programmes with access to affordable loans and markets to help young people establish and expand agricultural businesses.
The Prime Minister directed teams of experts accompanying him on the visit, working through the Tanzanian Embassy in the United States and relevant ministries, to maintain communication with the foundation and follow up on the areas of cooperation discussed.
Dr Mwigulu is accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Dr Ngwaru Maghembe, Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Washington Dr Elsie Kanza and other government officials.