The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a United Nations agency focused on rural development, food security, and poverty reduction. It works with smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fisherfolk to improve productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and reduce hunger. IFAD provides grants and low-interest loans, often co-financing projects with governments and development partners.

IFAD in Tanzania — key facts & scope
History & scale

IFAD has been active in Tanzania since 1978.

Over the years, it has financed 16 rural development programmes and projects in the country, with a total cost of about US 917 million, of which around US 402.5 million came directly from IFAD.

These projects have reached more than 4 million rural households.

Strategic priorities

In Tanzania, IFAD’s focus areas include:

Increasing productivity, profitability, and commercialization of agriculture and fisheries value chains.

Strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

Ensuring the inclusion of women and youth in agricultural development and income-generating opportunities.

Improving market access, infrastructure, and value addition to reduce post-harvest losses.

Introducing digital and satellite-based technologies to deliver climate-smart services.

Major ongoing and past projects
Project / Programme Time frame / status Focus / key activities
Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP) 2021–2027 Works in 41 districts on crops, aquaculture, fisheries, and seeds; aims to boost productivity, commercialization, and resilience.
Mwanza/Shinyanga Rural Development Project Completed Improved agriculture, infrastructure, and natural resource management in rural Sukumaland.
Rural Financial Services Programme & Agricultural Marketing Systems Development Programme Completed Expanded rural finance and strengthened agricultural marketing systems.
SAT-CARE (Satellite-based Agricultural Resilience Project) Ongoing Uses satellite data and ICT tools to improve decision-making in climate-smart agriculture.
New funding of ~US 74 million 2025 Supports smallholder farmers, with emphasis on women, youth, and nutrition.
Institutional presence & partnerships

IFAD collaborates closely with the Government of Tanzania, aligning with the national Agriculture Sector Development Programme II (ASDP II).

Its country office is in Dar es Salaam, housed in the UN building.

Leadership includes a Country Programme Coordinator and a Country Director.

Partnerships include bilateral donors, development banks, and international partners. Some projects also benefit from technology collaboration, such as digital agriculture initiatives supported by China.

Outcomes, challenges, and impact
Achievements

More than 4 million rural households reached with support.

Improved infrastructure such as rural roads, storage facilities, and water systems.

Expanded aquaculture and fish farming under AFDP.

Adoption of digital and satellite technology through projects like SAT-CARE.

Increased participation of women and youth in agriculture.

Challenges

Ensuring sustainability of projects beyond donor funding.

Coping with climate risks like droughts and floods.

Infrastructure gaps in remote areas, especially roads and electricity.

Limited access to inputs, credit, and knowledge for some farmers.

Scaling up successful pilots and coordinating across regions and donors.