American People Sponsor Capacity Building Workshop for Government of Tanzania Officials

USAID Tanzania's Director for Natural Resources and Economic Growth, Mary Hobbs, (first from left seated), with agricultural business interns sponsored by the United States Government's Feed the Future Program, a global initiative that aims to reduce poverty and create food security in Tanzania. This event was held yesterday as part of a government to government workshop that focused on increasing USAID funding to local Tanzanian organizations. 

On Wednesday, October 4th, the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MFEA) jointly sponsored a one-day workshop for 120 Government of Tanzania officials on a new Government to Government funding system, USAID Forward. 

Through USAID Forward, more grants will be provided to local partners to build the capacity of Tanzanian organizations. The goal of USAID Forward is to enhance country ownership and strengthen host country systems, or Government to Government collaboration in implementing development programs. 

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the technical aspects of Government to Government collaboration including the responsibilities of various departments in project design, procurement, financial management, and project implementation. 

The workshop discussion focused on the development of the agriculture sector through Government to Government collaboration under the Feed the Future Initiative, which is the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative. 

Speaking at the event, USAID Mission Director Robert Cunnane said, “When Tanzanians conduct their own development efforts with USAID support, the expertise and lessons learned stay in the country and inspire further projects. An objective of USAID Forward is to strengthen local NGOs and civil society organizations and private sector capacity.

 For instance, USAID has been supporting the SAGCOT Center in preparation of its investment blueprint.” The workshop also celebrated the next generation of Tanzania’s agricultural experts; 15 students studying agricultural economics and agribusiness at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) were recognized for their participation in an internship program coordinated by USAID and SUA.

 These young, business-oriented agriculturalists spent eight weeks placed in private agricultural-based companies working in different product value chains. The intern placements were designed to immerse young professionals in a hands-on business environment and guide the development of start-up agribusiness enterprises. 

As intern Julius Ludete explained, "I learned the importance of applying modern methods of agricultural production for example, using green house agriculture and drip irrigation for better use of natural resources and conservation.” After college, Mr. Ludete plans to use his business skills to increase production for commercial agriculture based companies. 

 Ultimately, the Government to Government workshop laid the groundwork for Tanzania to develop a competitive agriculture sector where aid money is no longer needed and where students like Mr. Ludete can become leaders in food security and agribusiness.