An Action Plan for Developing Agricultural Input Markets in Tanzania

3.0. SHORT REMARKS BY THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM SASAKAWA AFRICAN
ASSOCIATION/GLOBAL 2000
The Sasakawa Africa Association representative highlighted the program and strategies that are undertaken
by his organisation and the linkages to the development of agricultural input markets in Tanzania. He also
underscored the need for linking inputs and output markets for improving productivity, economic growth, and
poverty reduction. He concluded his remarks by saying that, in order to increase production and productivity,
agricultural input should be delivered in a timely manner, should be affordable, and of recommended quantities
and qualities.
4.0. PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION PLAN
The Team Leader from IFDC highlighted the social economic challenges of food security, poverty alleviation,
and environmental protection. Concern was raised with regard to cereal production decline in association
with low levels of fertiliser use and the role of agricultural inputs in solving some of these problems.
He elaborated on the functioning and performance of agricultural input markets, factors constraining its
performance, the potentials of the private sector in supplying inputs in a reliable and cost effective manner and
suggestions to improve efficiency and effectiveness of input markets. An effective action plan should include
conducive and stable policies, developing human capital, access to finance, access and dissemination of market
information, and strengthening regulatory systems.
Other supportive measures he proposed included integration of regional markets, development of infrastructure,
technology transfer efforts, output market development, poverty alleviation, and safety nets. The
proposed action plan underscored the importance of commitment of both government and development partners
in order to achieve the intended objectives.
5.0 COMMENTS BY WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
The draft action plan was discussed in the plenary session and the following comments were recorded:
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