2026-02-25, (Tanzania)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is supporting a new Tanzania–Philippines cooperation aimed at accelerating sustainable agricultural mechanization for smallholder farmers, following a joint high‑level and technical mission to Dodoma and Morogoro.

The mission brought together FAO experts and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to engage with government, research institutions and the private sector on priority areas including value‑chain technologies, small‑ and medium‑scale machinery, mechanization service models and skills development.

Discussions at the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) headquarters focused on strengthening research, innovation and national capacity to deliver affordable and inclusive mechanization solutions for smallholder farmers.

Emphasizing the value of practical South‑South collaboration, PhilMech Executive Director Dr Dionisio Alvindia said: “The Philippines is pleased to share its experience in agricultural mechanization with Tanzania through this South‑South cooperation facilitated by FAO.”

Reflecting on the field engagements, Dr Alvindia, PhilMech Executive Director said: “Visiting the TARI Dakawa Rice Research Centre and the private-sector rice processing mill in Morogoro has shown how research, mechanization and agribusiness can work together. These practical linkages are critical to making mechanization sustainable and impactful.” He also added that “PhilMech is committed to supporting African countries, including Tanzania, by sharing technical expertise and experience in collaboration with FAO and other partners”.

Partners agreed on concrete follow‑up actions under the Tanzania–Philippines South‑South and Triangular Cooperation initiative, including the preparation of a joint concept note and a resource mobilization strategy, with TARI leading implementation to ensure national ownership. Welcoming the delegation, TARI Director General Dr Thomas Bwana said: “This visit strengthens knowledge exchange and enhances the adoption of innovative technologies for sustainable agricultural transformation in Tanzania.”

The visit coincided with Tanzania hosting the Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (ACSAM 2026), where the initiative was presented as a practical example of South‑South cooperation contributing to agrifood systems transformation. FAO Representative in Tanzania Dr Nyabenyi Tipo stated that the collaboration demonstrates “how South‑South Cooperation can strengthen national capacity, deliver scalable solutions for smallholder farmers, and contribute to sustainable agrifood systems transformation.”

FAO also highlighted its support to the newly launched Tanzania Agricultural Mechanization Strategy II (2025–2035), which provides a national roadmap for scaling up mechanization aligned with development priorities.

The delegation also met with the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Eng. Athuman Kilundumya, who reaffirmed the Government of Tanzania’s strong commitment to mechanization as a driver of productivity, food security and agrifood systems transformation: “The Government of Tanzania places high priority on agricultural mechanization as a key driver of productivity, food security and rural development. Partnerships such as this, supported by FAO and other partners, are essential for strengthening national capacity and accelerating the adoption of appropriate technologies,” Eng. Kilundumya noted.

Looking ahead, FAO Programme Officer Mr Kenya Konno said the initiative was launched with strong momentum being integrated as a key pillar of ACSAM 2026, adding: “I am very pleased to see that the solid working relationship established among the key stakeholders such as TARI and PhilMech.  As the next step, FAO will prepare the exchange visit of Tanzania delegation to the Philippines, in close collaboration with PhilMech.”

News

Regional workshop and training on the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative in Africa under the FAO–China South-South Cooperation Programme

News

FAO and China drive global cooperation on agricultural heritage