Tanzania targets tea and key crops to boost farming in Southern Highlands

Tanzania is stepping up efforts to improve farming in the Southern Highlands, with better roads and more reliable project funding expected to support tea and other key crops produced in the region. 

The government says improving infrastructure is important to cutting transport costs, opening access to markets and helping farmers move their produce more efficiently. 

The push comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen agricultural production and support economic growth in regions where farming remains a major source of income for households and businesses. 

Finance Minister Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar said the government would ensure funds for infrastructure projects are released on time, after delays in financing had slowed some road projects and other developments.

Tanzania moves to fix infrastructure funding 

Omar made the remarks during a visit to the Mbeya Regional Commissioner’s Office after the Nane Nane celebrations at the John Mwakangale grounds in Mbeya City. 

He said the government had changed the way some development funds are financed.

Under the new system, 70% of revenue collected through special development funds will be transferred directly to the relevant funds rather than passing through the Treasury. 

In July, 324 billion Tanzanian shillings($122.32 million) were released to various development funds, including 76 billion shillings($28.72 million) transferred directly to the Road Fund, Omar said.

Roads seen as key to agriculture 

The minister said the funding arrangement would continue through the financial year to reduce delays and keep infrastructure projects moving. 

The government is also working with financial institutions to find other ways of raising money for large projects.

Omar said infrastructure bonds could help mobilize funds earlier, rather than relying only on revenue collected over time. 

Better roads are particularly important for farmers in the Southern Highlands, where tea and other crops must be transported from farms to processing facilities and markets.

Lower transport costs could also help farmers and traders improve their returns.

Southern Highlands agriculture gets focus 

Tanzania’s government has continued to invest in roads and other public infrastructure to support trade, farming and economic activity.

The approach links public spending with the needs of productive sectors, including agriculture. 

The Southern Highlands are an important farming area, with tea and other crops supporting farmers, processors, traders and local businesses.

Improved transport links could make it easier for producers to reach markets and strengthen agricultural supply chains. 

For Tanzania, the focus is not only on building roads but also on ensuring that farmers and businesses can use them to move goods at a lower cost.

The government expects more reliable infrastructure funding to help keep those projects on schedule.