Tanzania's agriculture development towards the 21st century
Mlambiti, M.E|Isinika, A.C / 1999

Agriculture has always been the backbone of the economy in Tanzania, accounting for about 57% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), over 80% of employment and contributing to more than 70% of export earnings. The importance of the agricultural sector is envisaged to co ntinue into the present (21st ) centry. This paper examines the performance of the agricultural sector as Tanzania approaches the 21st century in terms of output and productivity trends as they relate to level of use for use for various inputs. The data presented indicate that agricultural growth logged below GDP by as much as 65% in the period of 19976-19980. Despite growth in export volume in recent years, there has been a widening of the national current account deficit from 8.8% of the DGP between 1981-85 to over 20% during the period 1986-94. Meanwhile, the food security stituation remains unreliable and incidences of severe malnutrition for children can reach 9% in some places. Much of the agricultural potential in Tanzania remains untapped due to technological, financial and institutional constraints. It is argued that if agriculture is expected to contribute to the development of this country, the government must pay attention on the moves of the sector, which include technology, institions, human resources and enabling environment.