Horticulture, Tourism, key drivers to rural economies

SUNDAY June 22, 2025

By Adam Ihucha

The Tranquility News Correspondent, Tanzania

The Tanzania government has underscored the importance of horticulture and tourism industries’ robust linkage in spurring the rural economy.

Officiating at the agriculture and tourism investors’ dialogue in Arusha, Tanzania, over the weekend, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli, said the two multi-billion-dollar industries have the potential for stimulating the rural economy.

Seeking to unlock the potential, Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), under the auspices of the Netherlands Embassy, organised the dialogue in Arusha that brought together horticultural investors, tourism and hospitality captains, as well as government’s regulatory authorities.

In a speech read by the Ministry of Agriculture’s official, Mr Philbert Philemon, the PS said it was high time horticulture was linked with the multi-billion-dollar tourism industry to supply fresh and nutritious food.

Tourism industry in Tanzania earns the economy $3.9 billion annually, but the booming business has locked out the local horticultural farmers, over what it has been termed as lack of direct communication channels and inefficiencies in the supply chain.

Mr Mweli said investment opportunities in agriculture with tourism linkages presented a promising avenue for economic development, particularly in regions renowned for their natural beauty and tourist influx.

“Investing in industries such as horticulture, spice farming, organic farming, and high-value crops holds significant potential for supporting both domestic hospitality markets and international export demands,” the PS explained.

These sub-sectors, Mr Mweli noted, provide essential produce that caters directly for the culinary needs of the tourism industry, ensuring quality and unique products for visitors.

Additionally, he said the establishment of agro-processing zones and the strategic positioning of farms near tourist corridors, such as those in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara, offered synergistic benefits.

“These areas become vital supply hubs but also enhance tourism experiences through farm tours, fresh produce markets, and culinary trails,” he explained.

Thus, he noted, agriculture aligned with tourism created a sustainable model that boosted economic growth while enriching the cultural and gastronomic offerings for tourists.

Indeed, analysts say, the tourism industry’s diversification has given rise to several specialised forms of tourism, among which horti-tourism stands out.

These areas become vital supply hubs but also enhance tourism experiences through farm tours, fresh produce markets, and culinary trails,” Mr Gerald Mweli, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.

This particular type of tourism is intimately linked with horticulture farms, vegetable gardens, and flower gardens, and has proven to be a fertile ground for economic growth and social development.

“One of its most significant contributions is the creation of employment opportunities, as it requires a diverse workforce for farm operations, tour guiding, maintenance, and hospitality services,” said the TAHA CEO, Dr Jacqueline Mkindi.

Furthermore, Dr Mkindi explained, horti-tourism attracts international visitors; thereby earning valuable foreign currency that bolsters the local economy.

“By providing a reliable source of income, it aids in poverty alleviation for communities involved in horticultural activities, enhancing their living standards,” she noted.

Additionally, she said, it fostered various commercial ventures, such as the sale of local produce and artisanal products, thus broadening economic opportunities.

“In essence, horti-tourism exemplifies how specialised tourism forms can generate direct economic benefits while simultaneously reinforcing cultural and environmental appreciation,” Dr Mkindi underlined.

Meanwhile; the PS has also extended sincere appreciation to the government of the Kingdom of The Netherlands for its longstanding support in transforming Tanzania’s agriculture and tourism industry.

The Dutch government, its institutions, and private sector have remained true and reliable partners, significantly contributing to the advancement of agriculture and the tourism sectors in Tanzania.

Agriculture remains central to Tanzania’s economy, driving food security, employment, and trade.

TAHA CEO praises Tanzania government

Dr Jacqueline Mkindi commended substantial progress made by the government in strengthening both the agriculture and tourism industries.

In the realm of agriculture, Dr Mkindi highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing market access for Tanzanian commodities, expanding irrigation and water resources, and significantly investing in agricultural infrastructure.

These efforts are pivotal in elevating the nation’s agricultural capabilities and output.

Today’s dialogue serves as a unique platform for forging synergies, removing impediments, and building robust partnerships among investors, the government, and development partners,” the TAHA CEO, Dr Jacqueline Mkindi.

In the tourism industry, initiatives such as the Tanzania: The Royal Tour film the President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, spearheads, markedly boost Tanzania’s international profile and tourism inflow.

These initiatives underscore Tanzania’s emergence as a competitive and appealing destination for global investors and travelers alike.

Call to action

“Today’s dialogue serves as a unique platform for forging synergies, removing impediments, and building robust partnerships among investors, the government, and development partners,” Dr Mkindi explained.

Now is the time to cultivate policy coherence, strategic alignment, and collaborative action to harness the full potential of Tanzania’s agriculture and tourism industries.

Resolutions for progress

Dr Mkindi also shared four key resolutions from the recent Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) meeting aimed at propelling the sub-sectors forward:

Establishment of a task force

Focused on optimising transportation and logistics services for efficient exports of Tanzanian goods.

Strengthening agricultural infrastructure

This include developing irrigation, agro-processing industries, and market infrastructure, particularly in large-scale farming areas.

Protecting agricultural land

This calls for designating specific areas for agriculture and livestock to ensure sustainable growth and management.

Policy and regulation review

It about devising a comprehensive review of policies, strategies, laws, and regulations related to the production of agricultural, livestock, and fisheries equipment.

Through these strategic initiatives, Tanzania stands poised to grow its economic capabilities, attract new investment, and ensure sustainable development in both agriculture and tourism industriesΩ