The Tanzanian government is promoting the integration of horticulture and tourism to boost rural economies.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Gerald Mweli emphasises the potential of linking the multi-billion dollar horticulture and tourism industries, which inject around US$3.9 billion into Tanzania’s economy annually.
“Investment opportunities in horticulture, spice and organic farming and other high-value crops hold immense promise, not only for our domestic hospitality industry but also for foreign export,” he said at the event organised by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Mweli proposed developing agro-processing zones and strategically located farms along key tourism corridors like Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara.
The envisioned model would combine high-quality fresh produce and tourism attractions through guided farm tours, roadside fresh markets and culinary trails while creating rural employment opportunities.
This comes as horti-tourism continues to grow globally in countries where many rely on horticulture for income.
TAHA CEO, Jacqueline Mkindi echoed Mweli’s sentiments and said horticulture provides critical socio-economic benefits like job creation, foreign exchange earnings and poverty reduction.
“Horticulture requires a diverse workforce across farm operations, tour guiding, maintenance and hospitality,” she said.
“By providing reliable incomes, it supports poverty alleviation and raises living standards.”
She also commended the government for providing crucial drivers of sector growth through investments in market access, irrigation, water infrastructure and agricultural logistics.
Mkindi also praised the government’s tourism initiatives, including The Royal Tour, which significantly increased Tanzania’s global visibility and boosted tourist arrivals.
“Today’s dialogue offers a strategic platform to build synergies, eliminate bottlenecks and foster stronger partnerships among investors, the government and development partners,” Mkindi said.
She called for greater policy coherence, strategic alignment and collaborative action to unlock Tanzania's agriculture and tourism potential.
