Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their long-standing partnership in agricultural research, with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural systems.

This commitment was revealed during a one-day visit by IITA’s delegation to TARI’s headquarters at Makutupora in Dodoma on March 20, 2025. The delegation was led by IITA’s Director General, Dr. Simeon Ehui, who was hosted by TARI’s Director General, Dr. Thomas Bwana.

In his welcoming remarks, Director General of TARI, Dr. Thomas Bwana, acknowledged IITA as one of TARI's key partners. He reaffirmed TARI’s commitment to developing agricultural technologies that are relevant to stakeholders along the agricultural value chain.

"IITA is one of TARI's top collaborators, and it supports the government by supporting improving the livelihoods of the people, which is the primary role of the government," said Dr. Bwana.

In his part, The IITA Director General Dr. Simeon Ehui, expressed his admiration for the quality of research being conducted at TARI’s centers and pledged to intensify the partnership moving forward.

Giving presentation, TARI’s Director for Technology Transfer and Partnership Dr. Sophia Kashenge, highlighted notable achievements of this partnership is the release of about 25 cassava varieties with exceptional characteristics, such as disease resistance, high yield, good processing quality, high dry matter content, and a sweet taste.

Dr. Kashenge named another significant achievement has been in capacity building that from 2013 to 2024, IITA sponsored 10 TARI researchers in their studies across fields like agronomy, soil science, plant protection, crop science, and sustainable agriculture.

Additionally Dr. Kashenge Said, the two institutions have collaborated on joint research activities in bananas, exchanged research materials, and shared knowledge and experiences between TARI and IITA researchers.

Moreover, Kashenge highlighted potential future areas for collaboration, including the development and use of digital agricultural technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics for the dissemination of new technologies.

TARI and IITA have operated under a bilateral partnership focused on agricultural research since 1994. Their work includes developing new crop varieties, addressing soil health issues, managing pests and diseases, biological control, environmental conservation, and improving processing and value addition.

Other areas of cooperation include crop improvement, seed system enhancement, capacity building, sustainable agricultural practices, technology transfer, and food security.