In a major step toward modernizing agriculture, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, has officially launched e-Kilimo, a digital agricultural extension system aimed at improving service delivery to farmers and enhancing accountability among extension officers across Tanzania.
The system was inaugurated today at the Mtanana Crop Innovation Center in Kongwa District. According to Minister Bashe, e-Kilimo will allow farmers to easily access information about available extension officers in their areas, including their locations and contact details.
"This platform will bring agricultural services closer to the farmer and improve transparency in how extension services are delivered," said Bashe during the launch.
A key feature of the system is the annual performance tracking of extension officers. Each officer will be required to complete a performance form, which will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness. Officers failing to meet their duties may face disciplinary action, Bashe emphasized.
The Minister also announced plans to register all agricultural input sellers under the new system. This initiative is intended to ensure accountability in input distribution and trace the source of counterfeit agricultural products.
"This is about protecting the farmer and safeguarding our national food security. With e-Kilimo, we can follow the entire chain—from the input supplier to the farm," he added.
The e-Kilimo system is expected to significantly improve the delivery and oversight of agricultural services, fostering a more accountable and efficient agricultural sector nationwide.
