FAO, World Vegetable Centre join forces to boost food security in Tanzania

Arusha. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has entered into an agreement with the World Vegetable Centre, a global research institution focused on vegetables and fruits, to enhance food security in Tanzania.

Under the agreement signed on yesterday, substantial funding worth $650,000 (Sh1.6 billion) has been allocated to support the centre's initiatives to improve seeds.

The FAO secretary for international agreements and seed genetics conservation, Dr Kent Nnadozie, emphasised the organisation's commitment to promoting and improving vegetable farming in Tanzania and across Africa.

He also highlighted the potential of vegetable farming to stimulate economic growth in African nations.

The World Vegetable Centre (WVC) has been entrusted with the responsibility of advancing and promoting vegetable farming.

A key aspect of their mission is to increase the number of seeds in their seed bank, ensuring both economic prosperity and seed security.

The regional director for East and Southern Africa at the World Vegetable Centre, Dr Gabriel Rugalema, contextualised the agreement within the framework of a global treaty addressing issues related to nutrients and genetics worldwide.

He underscored the shared objectives of both organisations, including ensuring safe and healthy food, expanding agriculture for proper nutrition, and providing stable income and secure employment for youth.

"We have agreed to support the seed bank, which has been under construction for two years and has improved significantly. However, we need financial resources to develop it further,” he said.

“The funds will support the vegetable seed industry globally, as there are more than one million seed varieties," he added.

"In our seed bank, we have over 7,000 varieties, so we must continue to collect, process, and preserve them for a long time. This ensures that the seeds are used to produce new ones and in scientific research, advancing vegetable farming in African countries," added Dr Rugalema.

The director expressed optimism about the future, expecting to have 15,000 seed varieties by next year and aiming for 40,000 by 2030.

He urged Tanzanians to recognise the pivotal role of seed processing, collection, and preservation in vegetable farming, emphasising the potential for individual and national economic growth through the utilisation of the World Vegetable Centre. 

The collaboration marks a significant stride in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering economic development in Tanzania and the broader African continent.