Tanzania returns farm to support smallholder farmers

The Tanzanian government began steps to reclaim the 6,000-acre Highland Estate farm in the Mbarali district of the Mbeya region to provide affordable farmland for smallholder farmers.

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the move while speaking to citizens after laying the foundation stone for a 105.7 billion shilling water project for 28 towns in Rujewa, a project intended to serve 523,544 people.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed the return of the farm after hearing complaints from citizens affected by the expansion of the Ruaha National Park in the Imalilo Usongwe ward. The government intends to lease land on the farm to smallholder farmers at affordable rates, preventing wealthier individuals from taking control of the area.

An assessment of the land determined that 30 billion shillings would be needed for the reclamation, and the government has already released 10 billion shillings toward the effort. Ndejembi warned those attempting to profit from the land at the expense of small farmers, stating the government would not allow it. Minister of Agriculture Daniel Chongolo said the government will implement the directive in three phases, and will lease land rather than grant ownership, assessing who is most deserving.

Local citizens in the Igawa ward believe the return of the land could permanently solve their challenges in accessing farmland, a problem stemming from a government notice issued in 2023. The Vice President also cautioned government officials against delivering reports without results, demanding accountability and tangible outcomes from development projects.