The World Food Day (WFD) was marked in Tanzania on the 16th October with celebrations simultaneously held in Musoma (Lake Victoria Zone) and Zanzibar. In an event leading up to the 2008 World Food Day, the state television and radio stations (TVZ and STZ) featured a twenty minutes broadcast with a message from the Minister for Agriculture Livestock and Environment (Hon. Burhan Saadat Haji) on the night of 15th October 2008 - focusing the theme of the WFD 2008. In his message, the Honourable Minister called for collective strength in agricultural production to eradicate hunger and contribute towards development. He emphasized the importance of this year’s theme: “World Food Security: the challenges of climate change and bio-energy” and insisted on availability of agricultural inputs with affordable prices at the farm gate, the need to develop new agricultural technology that are user-friendly in the changed climate condition and increase investment in agriculture to ensure food security.

The WFD 2008 main event was held at the grounds of the Zanzibar College of Hotel and Tourism, Maruhubi on the 16th October 2008. The celebration grounds as well as strategic points in Zanzibar town were colourfully decorated with WFD promotional materials and banners. The event was attended by a large number of people from all sectors of the society. One of the highlights of the event was the official launching of the Zanzibar Food Security and Nutrition Policy and Programme (ZFSNP&P) implementation that was officiated by the Chief Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Hon. Shamsi Vuai Nahodha. Other dignitaries who attended the event included the Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Environment, Hon. Burhan Saadat Haji; the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Environment, Hon. Khatib S. Bakari; and distinguished honorable Members of the House of Representatives. The occasion was also attended by the Assistant FAO Representative in Tanzania (Programme) – Mr. James Yonazi; the Zanzibar Chief Secretary – Mr. Ramadhan M. Mwinyi; and honorable District Commissioners of North “A”, Urban, North “B”, West, and Central Districts. Other prominent officials included the Principal Secretaries of various Ministries, Directors, representatives of local NGOs and farmers’ organizations. The technical team organizing the event was led by the Director of Policy and Planning. The occasions was also attended by different farmer groups and communities, members of the media; and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Environment. Speeches were made by different reputable leaders. The keynote address by FAO Representative in Tanzania was delivered by the Assistant FAO Representative (Program), Mr. James Yonazi and the Minister for Agriculture Livestock and Environment Hon. Burhan Saadat pronounced his speech. In his speech the Guest of Honor, Hon. Chief Minister, acknowledged FAO for the dedicated work it does in the United Republic of Tanzania.