Japan gives Sh6bn grant to Tanzania

BUSINESS




The government will use the proceeds realised from sale of fertiliser for economic and social development,” said Dr Likwelile.PHOTO|FILE

By Veneranda Sumila The Citizen Reporter

IN SUMMARY

He underscored the importance of supporting farmers and agriculture to uplift Tanzanians from poverty. Agriculture employs about 74 per cent of the country’s labour force.



Dar es Salaam. Tanzania yesterday signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

Under the pact, Tanzania will get a grant of Sh6.02 billion. Speaking during the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Finance, Dr Servacius Likwelile, said the funds would be utilised to procure fertiliser, which, in turn, will increase agricultural production.

“The government will use the proceeds realised from sale of fertiliser for economic and social development,” said Dr Likwelile.

He explained that such funds could be used to support underprivileged farmers so as to increase production, stabilise prices of agricultural produce and its availability through rehabilitation and construction of access roads to the market.

He underscored the importance of supporting farmers and agriculture to uplift Tanzanians from poverty. Agriculture employs about 74 per cent of the country’s labour force.

“Interventions that can facilitate increased productivity in the sector through adding value to its product, creating an enabling environment for agriculture and attracting the middle class to engage in agricultural production will have a significant impact on the lives of a significant proportion of the population and increase the pace of poverty reduction,” he said.

According to him, the grant will further support the government initiative toward its target for 2015 under the five years development plan.