The World Bank has granted a financing package of $300 million (approximately 708 billion Tanzanian shillings) for the implementation of the Tanzania Food Systems Resilience Programme. This Programme for Results (PforR) falls under the International Development Association (IDA) and is part of a Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) aimed at increasing the resilience of food systems. The initiative was launched in June 2022 to enhance food resilience and preparedness for food insecurity in participating countries.
According to a statement released by the World Bank, the approved funding will benefit around 300,000 Tanzanian farmers by enabling them to adopt resilience-enhancing technologies and practices to boost their productivity. Additionally, it will facilitate access to assets and services for approximately 1.8 million more farmers.
Nathan Belete, the World Bank Country Director, highlighted the significance of the new program in harnessing the potential of agriculture-led growth to build resilient food systems while creating employment opportunities. He emphasized the key role of agriculture in inclusive economic growth and rural poverty reduction in Tanzania, with nearly half of the program beneficiaries being women.
The program aligns with three result areas under the Tanzanian government's broader Agriculture Sector Development Programme II (ASDP II). These areas include improved service delivery in research, extension, and seeds; the development of resilient rural infrastructure; and strengthening fiscal performance to facilitate priority investments.
The Tanzania program is part of the second and third phases of the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa, which totals $903 million. The remaining financing will be allocated to Comoros ($40 million), Kenya ($150 million), Malawi ($250 million), Somalia ($150 million), and the African Union Commission ($13 million).
Launched in June 2022, the program's first phase provides support to Ethiopia and Madagascar, as well as two regional bodies. The World Bank highlights that African food systems face multiple shocks, including extreme weather events, pest and disease outbreaks, and political and market instability. The recent global events, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have further exacerbated these impacts by disrupting food, fuel, and fertilizer markets.
Emma Isinika Modamba, the World Bank Senior Agricultural Economist and Task Team Leader for the Tanzania Food Systems Resilience Programme, emphasized the program's focus on building resilience through increased access to climate-smart technologies, early warning systems, and drought resistance. She stressed the importance of transforming institutional systems and approaches to address the challenges of climate change and enhance Tanzania's ability to adapt.
The Food Systems Resilience Programme supports participating countries in prioritizing medium-term investments to strengthen the resilience of their food systems. It aims to rebuild productive capacity, improve natural resource management, enhance food value chains and market access, and develop policies at national and regional levels to enhance sector resilience. Additionally, the program can provide short-term support measures in case of deteriorating food security situations.
The World Bank considers the Food Systems Resilience Programme a crucial component of its engagement in the region. The institution prioritizes enhancing human development outcomes and increasing the resilience of populations in the face of complex overlapping challenges.