By Faridat Salifu
Tanzania is advancing efforts to secure its future food systems as more than 400 agricultural stakeholders prepare to meet in Dodoma for a national forum on ecological organic agriculture.
The Fourth National Ecological Organic Agriculture Conference is scheduled for March 3 to 5 and is expected to shape policies on safe, nutritious, and sustainable food production.
The conference is organised by the Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
It comes as the country intensifies efforts to improve food security, protect public health, and build climate-resilient farming systems.
Farmers, policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, civil society groups, and development partners are expected to participate.
Discussions will focus on reducing dependence on hazardous agrochemicals while improving productivity and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, TOAM Chief Executive Officer, Bakari Mongo, said the forum will promote agroecological and organic farming as strategic responses to climate change and food safety concerns.
He said the conference would provide a platform for stakeholders to identify solutions that support sustainable agricultural growth nationwide.
Mongo added that sessions will cover organic technologies, climate resilience, innovation in food systems, and market development.
TOAM Board Chairperson Dr Mwatima Juma said ecological organic agriculture offers an opportunity to protect public health while restoring soil fertility and conserving biodiversity.
She noted that many farmers across Tanzania have already adopted organic practices such as natural pest control methods.
Dr Juma said reducing the use of toxic agrochemicals could lower health and environmental risks linked to conventional farming.
She added that the continued use of hazardous chemicals has been associated with rising public health concerns, including non-communicable diseases.
According to her, the conference will help farmers and stakeholders make informed decisions on sustainable farming systems.
The Dodoma meeting will also explore ways to expand regional and international markets for organic produce.
Organisers say improved market access could strengthen farmers’ incomes and boost Tanzania’s competitiveness.
Swiss Aid representative Gladness Martin said the organisation supports Tanzania’s push to scale up organic and agroecological agriculture.
She said ecological organic farming helps communities withstand climate shocks while protecting ecosystems.
The conference is expected to strengthen policy dialogue, research collaboration, and partnerships across the agricultural sector.
Organisers say the outcomes will contribute to Tanzania’s broader goals of food sufficiency, environmental protection, and inclusive agricultural transformation.
