Apart from the absence of the agricultural curriculum in the Tanzanian primary
public schools, youth development programs in agriculture are not sustained for number
of reasons. External reliance on funding, expertise and leadership has been cited as
reasons for some of the unsustainability. Since the ‘Education for Self-Reliance’ policy
was abandoned, schools have been educating youth with few practical skills and little
interest in the field of agricultural and food production.
Through focus group discussions, school board members, school heads, teachers
DAICO, DEO and Village Agricultural Extension Officers were asked about their
support for a youth development program in agriculture in their local primary school.
Focus group discussion participants were asked their opinion of the possibility of
designing a youth program in agriculture in their community. Funding, expertise and
leadership (which often times have been viewed as major obstacles) needed to conduct
the program in the Tanzanian context were discussed.
Focus group participants expressed their willingness to support youth in learning
about agriculture by providing expertise, funding, leadership and material support from
community and family resources. The program was suggested to reflect the specific
needs of the local community, based upon resources available, expertise and leadership
with in the community.
iii
Involvement of youth in agricultural related issues was viewed to have a sustained
impact on the production and food security of Tanzania.