The Role of Agriculture in Economies - UNIKONNECT 2024_compressed.pdf

Presentation for the Niajiri UNIKONEKT Career Fair at The University of Dodoma

1. THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURE IN
ECONOMIES
Growing Economies: The Transformative Power of Agriculture
Presented by Aleaxandron Msigala

2. I’m Alexandron Msigala. I am the founder of
KilimoMax Solutions, a farmer and a proud
beneficiary of the BBT program. At KilimoMax, we
are dedicated to advocacy, training, mentoring,
and linking youth and smallholder farmers in the
agriculture sector. Our mission is to empower
communities and foster sustainable economic
growth through innovative agricultural practices.
Today, I am excited to share insights on the vital
role of agriculture in our economies and discuss
how we can collectively address the challenges
and harness the opportunities within this sector.
MEET THE PRESENTER

3. IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN ECONOMIES
ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS1.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of many economies. It contributes significantly to the GDP. For instance in Tanzania
the sector contributes about 29.1 % of Tanzania’s GDP and about 30% of the total exports, and ensures food
security in the country (FYDP3, 2021). In countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, agriculture accounts for more than
30% of the GDP.
Large economies like United States, China, India, and Russia are the top producers of major cereals and
vegetables. 5.6% of US GDP, 7.1% of China’s GDP.
Why agriculture?
Workforce, Tanzania youth population is 19.2% , >70% are under 30
Perfect weather conditions
Large arable land, In Tanzania 44 million ha (49.7%) but only 15million (35%) is used
Agriculture has huge potential for adding value
Most African countries export commodities and raw materials and import finished goods.
www.kilimomax.com

4. 65.3%
IMPORTANCE OF
AGRICULTURE IN
ECONOMIES...
65.3 of Tanzanians are involved in
Agriculture. 28% of employed
population globally. There are
various types of jobs provided by
the agricultural sector
Agriculture feeds us, It nurtures
economies with nutritious food for
healthy nations. Agriculture
ensures food security by providing
the food needed to sustain
populations. A stable agricultural
sector is essential for a stable food
supply.
Agriculture accounts for more
than 30% of all exports earning in
Tanzania. coffee, Major exports are
cotton, sisal, tea, cashew nuts,
tobacco, pyrethrum and cloves.
Traditional crops include maize,
paddy (rice), sorghum, wheat,
beans, cassava, potatoes and
sugar cane for home use and
domestic market sale. 65% of
industrial raw materials
2. EMPLOYMENT
3. FOOD SECURITY
4. EXPORTS AND TRADE
28%

5. KEY JOBS WITHIN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Farming and Production
Crop Farmers1.
Livestock Farmers2.
Aquaculture Farmers3.
Organic Farmers4.
Agribusiness and Marketing
Agricultural Sales Representatives1.
Export Managers2.
Agri-Marketing Specialists3.
Research and Development
Agronomists1.
Animal Scientists2.
Plant Pathologists3.
www.kilimomax.com
Extension Services
Agricultural Extension Officers1.
Farm Advisors2.
Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Engineers1.
Farm Machinery Operators2.
Agro-Processing and Value
Addition
Food Scientists1.
Quality Control Specialists2.
Agro-Processors3.
Agritech and Innovation
Agricultural Technologists1.
Data Analysts2.
Management and Administration
Farm Managers1.
Agricultural Project Managers2.
Environmental and Conservation
Roles
Soil and Water
Conservationists
1.
Environmental Consultants2.
Education and Training
Agricultural Educators1.
Training Coordinators2.

6. CHALLENGES
FACING
AGRICULTURE
Climate change poses significant
risks to agriculture, including
unpredictable weather patterns,
droughts, and floods. Tanzania is one
of the East African countries most
vulnerable to climate change
impacts. Droughts and floods in 2015–
16 had devastating effects on food
production, crop failures and
livestock deaths reaching record
levels.
Many farmers lack access to modern
farming technologies, which limits
productivity. Lack of modern skills,
techniques and inputs hinders the
potential of the agricultural sector in
Tanzania. For instance the area
suitable for irrigation in Tanzania is
estimated to be about 29.4 million ha,
but about 0.4 million ha are under
irrigation
Limited market access, largely
attributed to lack of access and use
of market information by commodity
chain actors, farmers being the most
disadvantaged group. Also Tanzania
agricultural exports still struggle with
global market competition due to
limited market access
CLIMATE CHANGE1. 2. TECHNOLOGICAL BARRIERS 3. MARKET ACCESS

7. 4. YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Tanzania’s active youth labor force is 67%
Youth (i.e. people aged between 15 and 35) account for 31% of
total population.
Although youth in Tanzania accounts for a higher share (67%) of
active labor force [URT, 2016], they are however more likely to
be unemployed, underemployed or working in more precarious
condition than adults.
Urban lifestyle drives away youth from rular areas leading to
poor partcipation of youth in agriculture
Lack of skills: About 70% of youth aged 14-17 are not enrolled in
secondary education, entering the agribusiness career unprepared,
and only 38% of those who continue higher education are medium to
highly skilled.
Limited access to and ownership of land
Limited access to agroinputs and extension services
Limited access to market, related infrastructure, and auxiliary services
Limited access to financial services
Weak youth groups/ associations
Information and coordination
Motivation and attitude toward agribusiness
Challenges Faced by Youth in Agriculture

8. CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE

9. MODERN FARMING TECHNOLOGIES

10. MODERN FARMING TECHNOLOGIES

11. SOLUTIONS AND
INNOVATIONS
Sustainable farming practices,
such as crop rotation and organic
farming, can improve soil health
and yield.
Integrating technology, like
irrigation schemes, precision
farming and mobile apps for
market information, can boost
productivity. eg Israeli and Egypt
Capacity building for educating
farmers and providing continuous
training is crucial for adopting new
practices and technologies
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
TECHNOLOGICAL
INTERGRATION
EDUCATION AND
TRAINING

12. SOLUTIONS AND
INNOVATIONS
Government policies that support
agriculture through subsidies,
infrastructure development, and
research funding are essential.
Empowerment of youth and
women can uplift the potential of
agriculture dramatically. Women
comprise a majority of the labor
force in agriculture (54%). For
instance BBT-YIA
Initiatives to rise awareness on
agriculture to make it more
aooealing to youth in order to grow
youth engagement
POLICY SUPPORT
YOUTH AND WOMEN
EMPOWERMENT
ADVOCACY

13. KILIMOMAX SOLUTIONS’ ROLE
Training Programs: Provide targeted training to youth in
agribusiness to enhance practical skills and knowledge.
Education Support: Partner with schools and institutions to
integrate agribusiness curricula and facilitate secondary and
tertiary education enrollment.
Skill Development: Offer workshops and hands-on experiences
to improve medium to high-level skills in the agribusiness
sector.
Mentorship and Guidance: Connect youth with experienced
agribusiness professionals for mentorship and career guidance.
Resource Provision: Supply necessary tools, resources, and
technologies to aid in the practical application of agribusiness
skills.
Community Engagement: Foster community involvement and
support to create a sustainable and encouraging environment
for young agribusiness entrepreneurs.

15. [email protected]
[email protected]
THANK YOU
SO MUCH
WWW.KILIMOMAX.COM
DODOMA, TANZANIA
0688154404