Ummy Nderiananga, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, and Coordination, has met with Ms. Gérardine Mukeshimana, the Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), on the sidelines of the Third International Conference on People with Disabilities, held in Berlin, Germany, on April 2-3, 2025.
The discussions were centered on strengthening the partnership between Tanzania and IFAD, with a particular focus on empowering people with disabilities through inclusive agricultural initiatives.
During their conversation, Nderiananga highlighted the Tanzanian government’s firm commitment to inclusive development, especially in the agricultural sector.
“The Government of Tanzania is dedicated to ensuring that no one is left behind in our development efforts. People with disabilities are an essential part of our agricultural sector, and it is crucial that they have equal access to opportunities,” she said.
She further stressed that agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania's economy, with a large portion of the population, including people with disabilities, relying on it for their livelihoods.
“We recognize the barriers that people with disabilities face in accessing agricultural opportunities. Our collaboration with IFAD is key to breaking these barriers and creating a more inclusive agricultural environment,” she added.
Ms. Mukeshimana expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s commitment to inclusivity in development programs.
“At IFAD, we believe that inclusive development is essential for sustainable growth. People with disabilities should not be excluded from agricultural opportunities. Tanzania's efforts to integrate them into national development plans are highly commendable, and IFAD is fully committed to supporting these initiatives,” she stated.
The meeting also touched upon ongoing projects supported by IFAD in Tanzania, such as the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Project (AFDP) and the Dairy Sector Transformation Project for Sustainable Climate (C-SDTP).
These initiatives aim to improve the livelihoods of Tanzanians and create inclusive agricultural systems, especially for people with disabilities.
“Through these projects, we are not only enhancing agricultural productivity but also ensuring that marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, can participate in and benefit from these developments,” said Mukeshimana.
The AFDP focuses on improving agricultural practices and promoting sustainable fishing, while the C-SDTP is designed to address challenges in the dairy sector, with a focus on climate-smart techniques that improve resilience.
Nderiananga emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Tanzania and IFAD. “The projects we are implementing together are vital in fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth. Our focus on empowering people with disabilities aligns with the Tanzanian government's broader strategy for inclusive development,” she noted.
Both leaders agreed to continue refining strategies to ensure that agricultural programs are accessible to all, particularly people with disabilities.
As Tanzania moves toward its development goals, the partnership with IFAD remains crucial in building an agricultural sector that benefits all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural future,” Nderiananga concluded.
Through these ongoing efforts and strategic partnerships, Tanzania is poised to build a more equitable agricultural sector where everyone, including those with disabilities, has the opportunity to thrive.