Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

TARI Kibaha, alongside TARI Mikocheni and TARI Mlingano, convened on January 23 - 24, 2025, at Nactivate Conference Hall, Dar es Salaam, to review the progress for the 2023/24 period during the Internal Progress Review (IPR) meeting. Researchers presented their research activities, provided updates on ongoing projects, and introduced new research proposals generally focusing on enhancing sugarcane and root crop productivity through improved varieties, sustainable agronomic practices, and technology dissemination in Tanzania. Specifically, highlights were on evaluating and improving sugarcane varieties for productivity, sustainable seed systems and clean seed production, and soil health and nutrient management.  Others included pest and disease management in sugarcane and sweet potatoes, adoption and dissemination of improved agricultural technologies, environmental safety and efficient use of agrochemicals, and farm clinic as an approach for technology transfer. 

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including researchers from TARI Headquarters - led by the Director General, Dr. Thomas Bwana and the Director of Research and Innovation, Dr. Deus Mbazibwa - alongside representatives engaged in coconut seed production from Bagamoyo and Handeni, Tanga, as well as other invited guests.

During this meeting, the Director General emphasized the importance of knowledge development and its transformation into practical technologies that benefit farmers. He stated: a commitment to learning – underscoring the need for continuous improvement in research; bridging research and application – ensuring that knowledge generated is converted into viable technologies; and enhancing farmer benefits – ensuring that research outputs reach farmers, ultimately increasing their income. "Technologies developed by researchers are meaningless unless they reach farmers and improve their livelihoods," he remarked.

The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Director General, Dr. Thomas Nestory Bwana highlights on important issues in research during the IPR 2024 meeting. Photo Credit: Jackline Matovu

 TARI Kibaha researchers engage in different sessions during the IPR meeting. Photo Credit: Jackline Matovu