Prof. Chibunda reflects on Mwalimu Nyerere's push to advance the Agriculture Sector


Tanzanians observe Mwalimu Nyerere Day on October 14th as a tribute to Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the "father of the nation" who passed away on this day in 1999.

Today, Vice Chancellor Prof. Raphael Chibunda reflects on Mwalimu Nyerere's vision to advance the agriculture sector in Tanzania so that the country could produce enough food. He also wanted to ensure that there are enough experts in agriculture to help farmers solve their challenges.

Prof. Chibunda

As he explained, Mwalimu's vision was to establish a university that would both train experts in different areas of agriculture and conduct research to find solutions to the problems farmers face.

"Mwalimu Nyerere wanted to see Tanzanians become independent in their access to food, and he came up with various strategies to achieve this, including establishing institutions to provide agricultural training to assist citizens to farm productively," said Prof. Chibunda. 

On April 11, 1984, following lengthy discussions, the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania passed a law to establish the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) for the purpose of educating and training Tanzanian farmers in agriculture theory and practicals.

Since it was founded, the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has kept Mwalimu Nyerere's vision alive. The university has been at the forefront of solving the problems farmers face. It has made a big contribution to increased food production and economic growth for both individuals and the country.

Most of the officers and experts in Tanzania's Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Fisheries, and Environment sectors are SUA graduates. This shows that SUA has lived up to Mwalimu Nyerere's vision and will continue to do so. Professor Chibunda emphasized

Mwalimu has made a lot of efforts in laying the foundation for developing the agriculture sector in this country, and the fruits of those efforts are now visible. As we speak right now, the agricultural sector in the country has flourished. There is now a large amount of supply of various agricultural products compared to the past when some households were unable to afford rice. But now production has increased to the point where rice and 'sembe' flour are nearly the same price.

Take the time to read President Julius K. Nyerere's Address at the Inauguration of Sokoine University of Agriculture Morogoro: 26th September 1984

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