This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
Published on May 13, 2020, Tanzania has taken a significant step to protect its farmers and local companies from exploitation by foreign firms.
The Ministry of Agriculture has directed non-local firms to purchase agriculture produce through auctions and authorized local markets, rather than buying directly from farmers.
According to Minister for Agriculture Japhet Hasunga, the restriction aims to protect both farmers and local companies from low prices and being taken advantage of by foreign companies conducting business in Tanzania.
"We are aiming to protect both farmers and local companies from low prices and being taken advantage of from foreign companies conducting business in Tanzania," said Minister Hasunga in a media briefing.
Mr. Hasunga emphasized that the restriction does not contravene the East African Community Protocol on free movement of goods, as the borders are still open.
"We have not and don't have plans to restrict free movement of goods, but we have set guidelines to protect our farmers. Foreign traders can buy from a secondary market and pay all dues before they take the goods to their countries," he told The EastAfrican.
The move is also aimed at shielding the country against a looming food deficiency due to floods that have hit several parts of Tanzania and a looming locust invasion.
Tanzania targets to store 120,000 tonnes of cereals, mostly maize, and the government has instructed the National Food Reserve Authority (NFRA) to purchase food crops from farmers for storage.
