Is Kilimo Kwanza a Reliable Answer to The Paradox of Hunger in The Midst of Plenty in Tanzania? Challenges and Prospects of KILIMO KWANZA (Agriculture first) Strategy in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper is of the position that KILIMO KWANZA (Agriculture first) with minimal differences with previous strategies to promote agriculture in Tanzania, among many other challenges is still operating in the raw and unprocessed agricultural products as opposed to agribusiness manufacturing operations or using agricultural revolution as a tool to non agribusiness manufacturing operations reflecting global market preferences. To be precise, this paper is of the opinion that KILIMO KWANZA has come at a right time to promote Tanzanian agriculture but the scope and focus of the strategy is narrow and unrealistic in Tanzanian context with the current market demands. Based on the findings and discussions raised in this paper, it is concluded that, Kilimo Kwanza is a relevant strategy to fight hunger and poverty in Tanzania. However its scope and focus is too theoretical to bring the impact expected. This paper to gather with other things, recommends revision of Kilimo Kwanza strategy to see what can be done to make it more effective and efficiently.

Keywords: KILIMO KWANZA (agriculture first), arable land, agribusiness manufacturing sector, entrepreneurial agriculture.