Tanzania, Asian countries negotiate on tractor supply

The government is in talks with Asia’s fast growing economies of China, Japan and South Korea to secure agricultural farm inputs such as tractors and irrigation machines to support the ‘Kilimo Kwanza Initiative’
enhancing productivity.

Speaking to this paper shortly after the launch of Monitoring African Food and Agricultural Policies (MAFAP) Country Report in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, Agriculture, Food Security and Co-operatives ministry development coordination assistant Margaret Ndaba said that talks were underway to secure tractors and irrigation equipment from those countries for the needy small scale farmers.

Prime Minister Pinda test drives a tractor

“Talks are underway with the fast economic growing nations of China, South Korea and Japan to bring in tractors and other equipment that will help the government to achieve its ‘Kilimo Kwanza’ goals. The motive behind this is to ensure that farmers switch from the hand hoe to use of tractors so as to improve productivity as well as their livelihood,” she said.

He pointed out that China has started assisting Tanzania by transferring technology whereby it has established a mechanisation centre at Dakawa in Morogoro Region where farmers and extension officers will be trained and equipped on the effective use of irrigation and fertilisers on crops.

“China has introduced a mechanisation centre at Dakawa, Morogoro Region, and it has started on training paddy and pumpkin farmers on how to practice irrigation and use fertilier properly so as to increase production,” she said, adding that the technology has the ability to produce at least six tonnes per ha.

For her part, Agriculture, Food Security and Co-operative ministry director for policy and planning Nkuvililwa Simkanga urged private businesses to establish tractor hiring centres in rural areas to assist small scale farmers get tractors.

Speaking recently in Dar es Salaam during a post 2013/14 budget discussion on agriculture and gas, Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) executive director Dr Hoseana Lunogelo said if the country wants to move from the hand hoe to tractor use economy, it will have to import at least 5,000 tractors every year.

Dr Lunogelo noted that in a bid to fully implement the ‘Kilimo Kwanza’ Initiative, the government must import about 5,000 tractors every year, and has to direct the proposed agricultural bank to ensure that farmers acquire affordable loans for tractors.

“If the agricultural bank could give affordable loans for tractors, more farmers especially the small scale ones would manage the price, hence very few farmer will only use the hand hoe,” he said.

He added: “Currently, imported tractors are not sufficient for the tag on improving agriculture in the country hence the private sector has also been urged to come up and invest heavily on this sector because many people depend on agriculture.”

He proposed that private investors should open up mechanisation centres in rural areas where they could provide tractor hiring services for small scale farmers to help them access the machines.

“Apart from the private sector establishing the mechanisation centres, small scale farmers need to form groups which would enable them to easily secure tractor loans,” he urged.

Recently, the government said it was planning to import 3,000 tractors from India in the second phase of the Kilimo Kwanza support programme after SUMA JKT had sold all the units imported in 2010 through a loan extended to the government by the Asian country. The Indian government has since then shelved the plan.

Initially there were no big sales, but the number went up after the seller reduced the price. The bulk importer of Indian tractors was charging between 25m/- and 45m/- per farm-tractor. But later the price was trimmed to 16m/- leading to the sale of all the units.

The first phase project cost USD40m in loan from the India government and it involved 1846 units of tractors.

At the moment, about 70 percent of Tanzania’s total crop producing areas use the hand hoe, 20 percent oxen plough and only 10 per cent tractors.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Drug industry now targets students as its new market

Drug abuse, alcohol abuse and HIV/AIDS epidemic are some of the major burdens of societies in the 21st Century. Studies and statistics show that globally more preadolescent and teenage children are using drugs and alcohol.
Some of drugs used and abused by children and youth include marijuana, alcohol, heroine, cocaine and mandrax.

There are a number of social and psychological problems related to drug use and abuse; however this feature focuses on the critical mass of young people especially students, whose involvement with drug abuse threatens the very fabric of social well-being.

Commission for Drug Control in the country, has mentioned the significant increase of youths especially students in drug trafficking as amongst the main reason for the expansion of the drug trade in the country.

Recently in an exclusive interview with this paper in Dar es Salaam, Commissioner for Drug Control Christopher Shekiondo says that illicit drug trade is gradually emerging as a serious problem in the country due to the fact that youths especially students are seem to be targeted as the new market for the drug industry globally.

“There are numbers of social factors which influences or make students most vulnerable to drug use and abuse. Some of the factors are related to the developmental needs, peer pressure, family discord and disruption and poor social and coping skills,’’

“Children and young people with limited, poor or no coping skills may develop destructive coping mechanisms for problem solving, anger, depression or conflict management. This may include experimenting or binging with drugs,’’ he says

However, it has to be borne in mind that illicit drug industry in the country seem to be well organized, have sophisticated and persuasive marketing and publicity strategies, do their research meticulously on the consumption patterns and establishing new markets and developing high-tech modes of transporting illicit drugs.

Beside the threat of increasing consumption amongst children and students, Tanzania is becoming a major trans-shipment point in the international drug trade as well as a major. The problem is also become threat to the stability and sustained socio economic development initiatives in the country.

Glue sniffing is popular within the age range of less than 10 years to about 13 school going and street children. Drug and substance abuse amongst the children and students is attributed to social pressures, socio-economic uncertainties, vulnerability of children (street children, child labor).

According to Shekiondo, in the country children and students use drugs for the same reasons as adults and youth in other parts of the world. They use drugs for relaxation and fun; dealing with inhibition; coping with pressure and frustration; to relieve stress and anxiety or pain; and to overcome boredom.

“These young people may later, in their late teens and early adulthood use harder drugs like heroin and cocaine. They maybe more frequently involved in criminal activities that should generate income to feed the habit or the addiction.

“Bad enough the uses of some of the drugs like marijuana are gradually perceived as acceptable norms in society.” He says

According to him the issue of drugs and youth should be viewed and tackled in relation to a number of social, economic, cultural and political factors. Any intervention, process or plan cannot be treated in isolation of other factors.

Like most young people the Tanzanian youths give very little consideration to the harm done by the use of drugs. In some instances drugs have been cited as the cause of death

Studies show that some of the crimes committed by young people are frequently a result of the need for the money to support their drug habits and addictions.

It is therefore not surprising that children and youth in some of the rehabilitative programs in the country have behavioral problems in the school system or are mandated by the criminal justice to be in the programs. Children and young people in poor or materially deprived communities are therefore more vulnerable to drug use or other socially unacceptable behaviors related to drugs and substance abuse.

However, Shekiondo adds that following the situation his commission as committed itself to overcome the challenge and according to him that is why recently there is an increase in arrests of suspects of the trade in the country.

“People should know that the ongoing drug trafficking cases are being reported because there are efforts which are being made to detect an arrest the suspected drug dealers if not so even the reports were not heard and people would think that there is no problem,’’ he says.

Further, he urges parents and guardians in the country that “Working parents should save time to supervise their children’s behaviors as most of them leaving children with grossly inadequate adult supervision.’’

Studies show that in countries where drug education and substance abuse prevention are part of social policies drug use tends to be low (Japan, China, Norway, Scotland ).

In other words governments should generate and support policies that allow people to achieve their goals in life; promote education and health, individual growth opportunities, financial security, investment in human capital and distribution of common citizen wealth. These kinds of policies can reduce the social costs of escaping poverty and lack of opportunity through drugs.

Generally, if we share the belief that children and young people especially students are a precious asset for human population and future human capital, we need to invest our intellect, social resources and a range of resources in nurturing them and protecting them against two of the deadly social conditions of the 21st century, HIV/AIDS and Drugs.

This will be in the interest of long-term benefits for the socio economic agenda globally. There are no easy solutions to the challenges posed by drug abuse and HIV/AIDS, particularly amongst children and young people as the most vulnerable groups of the population.

The complexity of these two issues requires careful and non-emotive planning and intervention. They may change the face and character of our human services, educational and social institutions.

Important view is that the interventions, processes and strategies are not necessarily the absolute responsibility of the government. However the governments in the name of social development should continue to take the lead in creating policy environments that facilitate appropriate intervention, provide resources and national infrastructures, and research funding and accountability systems.

Civil society structures face the challenges of creating and sustaining effective delivery mechanisms that are collaborative, multi-faceted, preventive and remedial in character. The family in particular should seriously re-examine its role and responsibility as a socializing and nurturing agent.

The family as an institution is breaking down; on the other hand, it is continually cited as one of the powerful agents of social change and social support system in most clinical interventions.  

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Kilosa, Bagamoyo benefit from Heifer International dairy and chicken farming

The need for increased livestock production is pressing, given the rapidly growing demand for animal products and the important contribution of livestock to the incomes and welfare of the rural poor communities.

In many respects the dairy and chicken farming are income generating activities in most of the rural areas in the country which assists the poor communities to transforming their lives from poverty to a better living.

Heifer International Tanzania has come up with the Kilosa-Bagamoyo dairy and chicken farming project so as to ensure that rural families in both districts are transforming their livelihood through livestock keeping in modern methods.

Salehe Katambo, from Mkombozi village in Kilosa district, Morogoro region, feeding his cattle given to him by Heifer International Tanzania to improve the quality of his life. (Photo: Prosper Makene).

When speaking with the reporter recently cattle farmers of Kilosa and Bagamoyo have applauded the philosophy of pass on gift from Heifer International Tanzania and requested them to bring the push-pull technology to their areas so as to improve cereal and livestock productivity in their dry areas.

Juhudi dairy farmers group chairperson from Kilosa Salum Mgome said that they have already got training on how to implement the technology of which they visited to the farmers in Kenya who started implementing the technology more than ten years ago.
“We supported by the Heifer International Tanzania and went to Kenya and saw what dairy cattle farmers are doing on this project, the project is very benefit to us since it in the sense that it uses minimal inputs thus enhancing sustainable food production in the climate change challenged communities,” he said.

He added: “The government has to learn from what Heifer International Tanzania is doing on assisting the rural community with the pass on gift philosophy that ensures farmers to improve their lives by being given domestic animals”
He pointed out that in April this year their group have received more than 15 dairy cattle of which 14 are heifers and one bull in a pass on gift philosophy.

“We are planning to pass on gift of the heifers in May next year because many of us who received the heifers in April this year are planning to have calf next year, hence we will also give to others the gift we received freely from Heifer International so as to ensure the poverty free generations in our communities,” he said

Kiwangwa dairy farmers group from Bagamoyo, Coast region Chairperson Ayubu Mtolo said that they also faced with the problem of pastures to feed their cattle hence call on the support from their partners to assists them on the new technology of Push-Pull of which they believe that could assists them getting enough pastures.

He also said that the lives of the most of the people in rural areas are not good hence there are many people who need dairy cattle to improve their lives through selling milk.

“Many people are needing this project because would assists to improve their lives, as well as getting food to feed their families, we urged the development partners and the government to look on the efforts to ensure that many people in rural areas are implemented by this project” he said

For his part, Heifer International Tanzania Livestock Consultant Zengo Mikomangwa said that their organization are faced with the shortage of funds but if they would get enough fund they will increase the number of people who are in need.

“There are lot of people as you said here who need the support from us to improves their lives, but if we could get enough funds, we promise to bring the project to you so that to see you are lives are changing,” he said

Zengo also said that Heifer is planning to bring the Push-Pull technology to dairy cattle farmers in Kilosa and Bagamoyo so as to assists the farmers end hunger and poverty in their family since the technology bring enough food for the family and for the cattle.

Push-pull is a novel cropping system developed by ICIPE and partners for integrated soil, pest and weed management in cereal-based farming systems. It involves attracting insect pests (stem borers) with trap plants (pull) while driving them away from the main crop using a repellent intercrop (push).

“The dairy sector occupies a special position among the other sectors of agriculture. Milk is produced everyday and gives a regular income to the numerous small producers.

Milk production is highly labour-intensive and provides a lot of employment in rural areas hence Heifer International will continue supporting rural farmers,” he said
He commended: “The dairy industry is the sector with the highest degree of protection due to the economically vulnerable position of small milk producers. Milk - also known as white gold - can be used to make an enormous variety of high quality products”
On chicken project, Zengo said that more than 280 villagers from Bagamoyo district, Coast region and Kilosa district in Morogoro region have been have been trained on better rearing techniques aimed at producing better and tasty breeds of traditional chickens so as to transform their indigenous poultry sector from a conventional subsistence activity into a commercial business.

He revealed that villagers were trained on different issues, ranging from chicken selection, eggs management, marketing, and diseases controls so as to produce better chickens.

“If this sector is managed well, it will remain an important gear in scaling down poverty levels amongst the underprivileged villagers in the country, we as Heifer International we are doing all efforts to ensure that people in rural areas especially those who are living in poverty are assisted by any means to transforming their lives,” she said.

Mikomangwa also said that the project involved 9 villages in the two districts, of which 7 villages are from Kilosa district while 3 villages are from Bagamoyo district, whereby after the training in every villagers formed groups to ensure that they pass on the gift to other villagers to ensure every villager in need are involved with the project.

He named the villages that benefited by the project as Kiromo, Mataya, and Kitopeni in Bagamoyo district, while in Kilosa are Kitete, Magomeni, Malui, Tindiga, Chabima, Zombo and Ihombwe.

“We provided more than 840 chickens to more than 280 villagers who received a training, we help them to understand that through chicken farming they will find a reliable source of income by selling chickens and eggs, since it is a Heifer International’s pass on gift philosophy, they also suppose to give to others the chicks they get after withholding,” he said

The Project consultant expressed optimism that the sector was very promising for people at the grass-roots level who have limited sources of income.
Kilosa district agricultural and livestock development officer Nicodemus Nzengo commended Heifer International for coming up with the initiative, saying the move would increase the number of local chickens in their district and also improve the villagers’ livelihoods.

One of the beneficiaries of the project Mwanaisha Hemedi from Mkwatani village in Kilosa said “I thank Heifer International for coming up with the training and give us the chicken without even the paying a single cent, the training itself has changed our mindsets and the way of doing things, as earlier we never thought that local chickens could be of benefit to us,”
Asha Ramadhani who also received the chickens said that before undergoing the training they never knew about poultry diseases and control measures.

“This e project of chicken I got, will help me on paying the school fees of my children as well as building a better houses which will make my family live in a better life than what we are living now,” she
Another villager from Kiromo village in Bagamoyo, Salumu Ali Chambo called on people in rural areas to get involved in the project, which is very easy to run and very productive and can make people step from the poverty trap.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Government pledges to strengthen relations with TPSF

The government has said that it will continue forge closer cooperation with the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) as a way of creating enabling environment for private sector to thrive and become an engine for economic development in the country.

The assurance was given by the Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda during the TPSF’s 14th Annual General Meeting held over the weekend in Dar es Salaam.

Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda

“The government has the responsibility to ensure that private sector is excelling to becoming an engine for development,” he said.

He said that three years ago the government and private sectors have been serious creating the voice of oneness basing on the truth that unity is strength.
“Today’s meeting is the evidence of achievements and successes in building a strong private sector in the country,” he noted.

Talking on the new TPSF’s cluster system, he said that he was delighted on the new system of leadership in the private sector which reflects a wide participation of members contrary to a previous one.

“The system conforms the needs and expectations of TPSF Members,” he said.
He said the government’s dream is to see and forge a closer partnership with the private sector for the development of the country’s wellbeing.

He said in order to strengthen the private sector the government has been implementing several policies that guarantee establishment of strong and competitive private sector for the country’s economic development citing efforts to create enabling environment for business and investment as an example.

He said the government is continuing to strengthen economic infrastructures including transportation such as railway, ports, airports, communication, electricity and availability of water.

He said that through the Big Results Now Initiative, the government will work with the private sector to make sure that big results are achieved.

He said that the sector should take part in implementing projects in priority areas of agriculture, water, infrastructure, education and health.

For her part, the Minister for State, Prime Minister’s Office (Investment and Empowerment) Dr Mary Nagu thanked the Prime Minister for his personal interest and his office in strengthening the private sector.

She noted that the government is working with the private sector in preparation of the National Development Policy for the Private sector in the country.

She said that the government is implementing some improvements in business environment and investment to cut down the costs of doing business and investment in the country, all geared toward facilitating smooth participation of the private sector.
“The aim of these measures is to ensure that enabling environment is created for private sector to establish and run business and actively participate in the economic activities,” she said.

The outgoing TPSF chairperson, Esther Mkwizu said inasmuch as the government is responsible for coordinating and implementing various initiatives, the private sector as an engine remains to be the agenda setting tool for the country.

She thanked the government for the commitment demonstrated and avowed interest for the development of the private sector.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Netherlands to back Tanzania's gas sector

Netherlands has promised to support Tanzania’s gas sector so that it can contribute to the country’s economic transformation.

The new Dutch Ambassador to Tanzania Jaap Frederiks told The Guardian in an exclusive interview last week in Dar es Salaam, that Tanzania has huge natural gas reserves, and if well exploited they can play a critical role in the country’s economic transformation.

Jaap Frederiks, Dutch Ambassador to Tanzania

According to experts, Tanzania currently has 41 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of Natural gas reserves.

Frederiks, who took office last week after his term of service in Australia said: “With these reserves Tanzania now stands, like the Netherlands some decades ago, on the threshold of important developments.

It has the possibility to liquefy and thus transport gas, which can be used both for domestic and export markets. Before the stage of production is reached, however, there is still a long way to go.

“As a major gas producer, the Netherlands has expertise in the gas sector and this is one among a number of areas where we can extend our support as longtime friends,” he said, referring to initiatives of Netherlands governmental institutions to share expertise and experience with their Tanzanian counterparts.

The Ambassador also referred to the expertise of the world’s Anglo-Dutch oil and gas Company, the Royal Dutch Shell.

The envoy said his government has put in place other programmes to promote trade and investment in the country.

He also named agriculture as a sector which can be a motor to transform Tanzania’s economy and enhance inclusive growth.

He said the sector can also contribute to economic transformation if farmers are empowered to apply modern technologies to improve production and link to the markets.

Frederiks said the more farmers manage to extensively apply technologies to further strengthen the quality of their products; the more agriculture will bring prosperity to the broad population.

He cited horticulture and milk farming and the possibilities to further transform them. A strong Dutch experience lies in the development of cooperatives for milk farmers, which have proven very effective means of linking small holder farmers to the market.

“Milk is essential for children’s growth. It is important to address issues of malnutrition. It is important for people also to know what they eat,” he said.
He added: “Health care starts with good nutrition and hygiene; with basic facilities to enable mothers to give birth safely and so forth. Better nutrition is important to develop the country productively.”

“If you want to develop the country productively you must start with the ground not at the top,” he pointed out.

Ambassador Frederiks recalled the re-opening of Tanzania diplomatic mission in Netherlands, underscoring that the move will bring even more close the cooperation between the two countries that has been very warm for decades.

May this year, President Jakaya Kikwete appointed a lawyer and a veteran politician Willison Masilingi to become a Tanzanian Ambassador to the Netherlands.

In the next four years of his tenure in Tanzania, Ambassador Frederiks is looking forward to explore and discover the country, which has an identity of its own, with proud and warm people.

He further made an assurance of his accessibility and willingness to collaborate with a multitude of stakeholders in achieving mutual benefits.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

EALA passes 3 resolutions including war on ivory trafficking

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) resumed business on Wednesday at its Chambers in Arusha, and passed three key resolutions.

The resolutions that saw the light of day included a motion urging Partner States to assist girls with sanitary pads and hygienic facilities in schools, pay tribute to the Rotary International for their humanitarian services and finally calling EAC Partner States to take concerted actions to end the killings of elephants and ivory trafficking.

In a social responsibility move, the Assembly passed a resolution that urges the region to waive taxes on sanitary pads with the aim to enhance quality, availability and affordability of the pads. The move is expected to keep girls in school and to ensure their well-being, enhanced dignity and respect of their rights.
However, the government of Tanzania and that of Kenya were lauded for abolishing tax on sanitary pads.

The motion which was moved by Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo notes that poor menstrual hygiene in the region is an insufficiently acknowledged issue and that poor girls often have no access to the sanitary products.

Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo

“This leads to social trauma and distress especially when occasioned by wearing poor protective clothing during menses, something that contributes to gender disparities in schools,” noted the legislator.

The resolution therefore urged governments and the private sector to consider making school sanitation facilities more user friendly and to ensure such cubicles have locks.
It further wants Partner States to introduce a reproductive health curriculum in schools and to provide sanitary pads and painkillers in all schools ensuring that they are distributed whenever necessary.
The motion received overwhelming response with contributions from various members including Abubakar Zein, AbuBakr Ogle, Nancy Abisai, Dr. Martin Nduwimana, Shy-Rose Bhanji and Mukasa Mbidde.

Meanwhile, the resolution on Rotary International which was presented by Mike Sebalu also received a nod of approval from the legislators for promoting humanitarian services around the region and the globe.

According to Hon Sebalu, on March 31, 2013, there were over 1million service minded men and women - Rotarians in over 200 countries, meeting weekly in local areas globally and contributing to economic empowerment initiatives.

Rotary International is a worldwide organisation of business, professional and community leaders providing humanitarian services and enhancing goodwill and peace in the globe.

“Among its focus include water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, peace and conflict as well as maternal and child health,” said Sebalu, adding that, Rotary International is also committed to eradicate polio around the world by setting a strategic endgame plan of USD 5.5 billion.

During the debate, EALA members urged the Rotarians to increase coverage of humanitarian services in EAC especially in areas that are in dire need.
“I look forward to seeing more of Rotary in arid and semi-arid areas such as in North-Eastern Kenya,” Ogle noted.

Others who supported the motion were Dora Byamukama, Mukasa Mbidde and Nancy Abisai.
The Chair of the Council of ministers, Shem Bageine appreciated the work of the charity organization, noting that they made a significant contribution in reaching out to far flung areas thus supporting government initiatives.

Members further congratulated the District Governor, District 9211 (representing the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda) Emmanuel Katongole for his efforts to increase Rotary club members in order to widen coverage of services.

Meanwhile the resolution on halting the killings of elephants and ivory trafficking was presented by AbuBakr Ogle who noted that investment in wildlife law enforcement was inadequate to deal with emerging threats as a result of increase of criminal cartels.

He said the region has a role to play in halting the trade, “no African elephant range is immune to the ongoing killings of elephants to feed the ivory demand in the Far East…a workable solution to the crisis is needed.”

The legislators welcomed the creation of the International Consortium for Combating Wildlife Crime involving the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Interpol and the World Bank among others and noted the importance of realising the set targets.

Patricia Hajabakiga, Adam Kimbisa, Joseph Kiangoi, the Counsel to the Community, Wilbert Kaahwa and Shem Bageine.

The resolution thus called on EAC Partner States to categorise elephant poaching and ivory trafficking as an economic crime and a national and regional crisis.

They said it is important for EAC Partner States to co-operate to identify wildlife crime hotspots and conduct coordinated investigations and undertake joint crackdown on corruption while eliminating any corrupt tendencies that abet poaching of elephants for their ivory.

In this regard, EALA urged EAC Partner States to scale up engagement with regional and global enforcement agencies in order to crack down on key cartels and continue to use services provided by the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) comprising UNODC, CITES, Interpol, WCO, World Bank and Caucus Foundation (ICCF) among others.

The Assembly is sitting for its first meeting of the second session of the third Assembly.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

JK: Shortage of neurosurgeons, facilities affecting healthcare

It has been revealed that Tanzania is currently facing shortage of Neurosurgeons and neurosurgical centres to attend the neurological cases.

Speaking at the opening of a two day World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Education Course held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, President Kikwete said that the current situation needs an immediate intervention.

In a speech read on his behalf by the deputy minister for Health and Social Welfare Dr Seif Rashid, President Kikwete said: “The country is at its infancy stage. It has only five neurosurgeons for the population of over 44 millions people, comparing to Chile which has 10 neurosurgeons per 1,000,000 populations.

Dr Seif Rashid, Deputy minister for Health and Social Welfare

Neurosurgery (or neurological surgery) is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.

Kikwete said when Tanzania has only five neuros; Japan has 10,000 neurosurgeons per 150 million people.

He said worse while, there is only one neuro-surgical centre at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), which was established in 1996,” he said.

According to the President, Neurosurgery is one of the most dynamic fields with all scientific and technological medical advances that have contributed significantly to reducing unnecessary mobility and mortality caused by unattended neurological cases in the world.

Kikwete further stated though it was evident that investing in neurosurgery was worth doing, the cost implication is significantly high, considering the cost for training healthcare professionals and established the appropriate infrastructure.

However, he declared that ever since its establishment, MOI has been equipped with advanced equipments including CT scan and imaging equipments. Also the government engaged itself in an expansion programme that will increase significantly neurosurgical services in the country, and the progamme has invested in MOI.

In the first year of MOI’s existence only 100 brain surgery were operated; 1n 2012, about 500 cases were operated; in 2006, seven spine stabilisations were operated while in 2012, 75 spine stabilisations were operated, which is more than 10 times increase in spine operations (2006-1012), which is quite an encouraging improvement.
In anticipation of increasing service and demand, Kikwete said: “We are embarking on serious training of neurosurgeons.”

That is why “I have said and I say it again that it is high time the Master of medicine (MMed) programme should start at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) without further delays. What I would like to hear is that candidates have been enrolled in the course.”

Kikwete said his government will provide all the supportive necessities to ensure the programme materialises; the aim is to have at least 15 neurosurgeons and more neurosurgical centres in the country in order to attend the patients within the country instead of taking them to foreign hospitals.

On his part, MOI Head-Neurosurgery, Prof Joseph Kahamba said despite the poor working conditions, they have managed to reduce the number of referral neurosurgical cases referred to hospitals in abroad as it was in the previous from 40 cases between 2010 and 2012 to only 20 cases.

“Our centre has been receiving many patients compared to its capacity, one surgeon has been attending at least 80 patients per day, despite the fact that we are few but everyday we operate 60 patients with different brain cases including people with head injuries after involving in fatal accidents,” he said.

For his part, MOI executive director Prof Lawrence Museru said currently the centre receives at least between 100 and 150 out patients and admits at least 20 patients, whereas eight out of 20 patients undergo neurosurgical operation.

The workshop has drawn participants from Japan, Republic of Korea, India, USA, Italy, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Jordan, Brazil, Pakistan and other countries from East, Central and Southern African Regions (ECSA regions) and Tanzania.

The objective of the training is to increase the capacity of healthcare professionals to manage a wide range of neurological cases and complications.

To help to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by lack of an equitable access to specialised neurosurgical services caused by inadequate number of specialised neurosurgeons.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

NIT to train pilots to cover shortage

The National Institute of Transport (NIT) has introduced a new course of pilot training to overcome the shortage of aircraft professionals in the country.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the handover of a certificate that will allow the Institute to offer training in handling dangerous goods in aviation, NIT Rector, Dr Zacharia Mganilwa said the decision follows the acute shortage of pilots in the country.

NIT Rector, Dr Zacharia Mganilwa

He said the country now has only 183 pilots while the demand is 456 pilots, a situation which has forced the nation to hire 273 expatriates to reduce the gap.

“Currently the course is offered outside the country at a very high tuition fee for parents and even the airlines to afford for their staff. It costs about 100m/- to train one Engineer or a pilot. So we can ask ourselves how many Tanzanians can afford that?” he questioned.

He added that the course curriculum will be complete in August this year, “Currently efforts to find teaching and learning materials including training flights are progressing well with a prospect of starting the training early next year… the government has allowed the institution to use Dodoma and Tanga airports for the trainings.”

Dr Mganilwa further said NIT in collaboration with Air Tanzania Company Ltd (ATCL) have completed the curriculum for air craft maintenance training and other aircraft trainings and are currently in the process of undergoing accreditation from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA).

For his part, minister for Transport Dr Harrison Mwakyembe who handed over the training certificate to the Institution promised to help the Institution especially in financing due to the importance of the aircraft sector and transport in general in developing the economy of the country.

“I also believe that the introduction of the courses will help address the challenges in the transport sector, including transportation of dangerous drugs that are toxic to humans, animals, plants and marine biodiversity,” he said.

Commenting on the introduction of the aviation course in handling dangerous cargo, TCAA representative Abduli Mkwizu said the training will help TCCA reduce costs of exporting its officers to study in other countries such as in Kenya, Singapore and Senegal which cost between USD 4,000 and USD 5,000.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Arusha hosts East, Central and Southern Africa's health forum

The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA) in collaboration with the International Best Practices (IBP) has organised an international consortium which was to kick-off yesterday in the Tanzania’s northern safari capital of Arusha.

Briefing reporters here at the weekend, assistant director of reproductive health in the ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Neema Rusilamayila said the three-day forum is to bring on board several health experts from East, Central and Southern African countries.

ECSA's Director General, Josephine Kibaru-Mbae

“Experts are meeting here to discuss challenges facing health service delivery in the sub-Saharan Africa, with more focus on youth and the disabled,” she said, adding that at the end of the meeting participants will come up with practical solutions to those challenges.

The director said youth in the region consists of 30 percent of the total population, hence there is a need for them to access better health services remained important.

She also attributed the disabled as important segment in the society that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to health service delivery.

Citing examples, ECSA’s Director General, Josephine Kibaru-Mbae said: “There are women who are disabled, who always unable to get better health services, because of poor infrastructures available in our health facilities. So, this forum will come up with resolutions towards improving services to that group in the society.”

The consortium is to be graced by Tanzania’s minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Hussein Mwinyi.

ECSA is a legitimate inter-governmental regional organisation established in 1974 under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat, London to foster and strengthen regional cooperation and capacity to address the health needs of the member states in the East, Central and Southern Africa region.

Health Community as a permanent mechanism for cooperation in health with the mandate “to promote and encourage efficiency and relevance in the provision of health services in the region.”. ECSA – HC currently consists of 10 member countries namely Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The BPF will bring together Senior Officials (who include Health Experts, Health Researchers and Heads of Health Training Institutions) from Ministries of Health of the ECSA.

The forum is themed ‘Strengthening the Response to Emerging and re-emerging Health Concerns’ and its sub-themes include Integration of Non-Communicable and Communicable Disease programmes, addressing Adolescent Health Issues, and strengthening Global Health Diplomacy for Equity in Public Health Delivery.

Contacted yesterday Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Spokesperson Ally Mkumbwa said he was not aware of the resolution promising to give details after he has gone through it.

He said although Tanzania has not signed the resolution, it should not be considered that the government has refused to sign because even prior to the resolution it has been in fore front to fight against killings of people with albinism.
“Signing the resolution is not a big deal what matters is its implementations…the government can’t refuse to sign it, it is the matter of timing and consideration,” he said.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

'Youth migration boosts economic development'

International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said that globally, each year many young women and men migrate in search of decent work and better living conditions.

According to a statement by ILO Director General Guy Ryder on the Occasion of International Youth day that was made available to the Guardian yesterday, differentiated demographic and income trends are adding to migratory dynamics and on the present course, the pressures will become even stronger.

ILO Director General, Guy Ryder

Young migrants make up 27 million of the overall 214 million international migrants.

But being the most mobile social group, young people constitute the bulk of annual migration movements. They largely move from one developing country to another, with South-to-North migration representing only a third of total international migration.

“Today we acknowledge the positive contribution that millions of committed, talented and energetic young migrants make to development and the wellbeing of entire families and communities,” statement said.

“When youth migration takes place in conditions of freedom, dignity, equity and security, it can boost economic and social development both of countries of origin and destination,” it stated.

Unfortunately, many young migrants are easy prey and frequently get trapped in exploitative and abusive jobs, including forced labour. And too often, they – like other migrants – become scapegoats for the shortcomings of economic and social systems.

Practical steps can be taken to enhance the safety of all migrant workers and respect for their rights and dignity. Countries of origin can step up their efforts to provide pre-departure information and training, regulate and monitor the enforcement of fair recruitment practices and ensure that their young migrants have access to adequate protection.

In parallel, host countries should undertake to ensure that they receive equal treatment and enjoy the same rights afforded to any other worker.

Numerous international labour standards – in particular those dealing with migration for employment, labour inspection, protection of wages, and safety and health at work or those protecting particularly vulnerable categories of workers such as domestic workers, give sound direction for action.

Migration, however, is only a partial response to the youth employment crisis. The other side of the coin is the lack of opportunity and the challenge of survival at home.

As set out in the ILO’s 2012 Call for Action, a multi-pronged approach to employment promotion – including a favourable macro-economic environment, skills and labour market policies that facilitate the school-to-work transition, rights at work, youth entrepreneurship and social protection of young workers – is essential.

Shaping effective policies for decent work for young people at home and in the context of migration requires the engagement of governments, employers’ organisations and trade unions in social dialogue.

“Our work with the UN family on youth employment and migration has shown that broad-based partnerships and stronger coordination in the multilateral system can facilitate social dialogue, exchange of good practices, and training to ensure better employment and labour migration policy coherence and maximize the impact of programmes that promote decent work for young people.”

The United Nations General Assembly High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development taking place in October 2013 is an important opportunity to advance towards a framework which can uphold the rights and interests of young migrant workers.

“Let us never lose sight of the young women and men at the heart of the migration process. We must assume the collective responsibility of ensuring their safety and protection. Let us join forces to maximize the development benefits of youth labour migration while striving for balanced development that broadens the options for all,” he urged.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

UK to boost JNIA security

The British High Commissioner, Dianna Melrose is today expected to handover two explosive trace detection machines, consumables and other aviation security equipment to the government of Tanzania.

British High Commissioner, Dianna Melrose

The machines and equipment will assist in broadening aviation security, specifically detection capability at Tanzanian airports.

According to a press release unveiled to the media yesterday, the British envoy will also present certificates to the Tanzanian Airports Authority (TAA) staff who have successfully participated in the UK sponsored explosive trace detection training courses at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

She said terrorism is a global issue and the British government is keen to maintain its close working relationship with Tanzania in order to strengthen the existing aviation security regime and work together to tackle terrorist threats.

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has regional staff based in East Africa who will be working to maintain the close and productive working relationship with the TAA and the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Dar for harmonised EAC mining policies and laws

Tanzania has called on east African countries to harmonise mining policies and legal frameworks to curb smuggling of tanzanite and other precious stones in the region.

Speaking at a three-day seminar, which brought on board experts and stakeholders in mining sectors in Africa, Acting commissioner for minerals Eng Ally Samaje said smuggling of minerals is on the rise, negatively impacting on Tanzania’s projected tax collections in the sector.

Eng Ally Samaje

He said mining policies and laws differ from one country to another, citing: “In our country we have royalty tax, but in Kenya, such tax is not there, making some unscrupulous traders use the loophole to smuggle minerals to Kenya from where they export them.”

“If we have similar policies and regulations, there is a possibility for east Africans to benefit more from the mining sector.”

Samaje disclosed that harmonisation of mining policies and legal framework would enhance regional integration and make East African people benefit more out of their natural resources.

It is estimated that Tanzania loses an average of 3 kilos of tanzanite through smuggling daily.

According to Samaje, an average of 4 kilos of tanzanite are mined daily, but only 1kilo is taxed in Tanzania.

“That’s why we have started talking with our colleagues in Kenya on the need for them to amend their laws and policies for a win-win situation as they would also benefit from levying royalty taxes as we do here. We are thankful that they have started working on the matter and very soon they will amend their laws and policies.”

He also stressed the need for countries in the region to have smart policies and regulation so that east African people benefit from the extractive industry.
Amani Mustapha from an Arusha-based Civil Society Organisation — Haki-Madini, said more has to be done in the mining sector across the region.

“We haven’t yet tapped potentials available in the sector. What we collect as taxes is still small…more needs to be done to boost tax collections,” he said, suggesting the need for Tanzania to carry out inventory to know the exact amount of minerals available in the country.

“This will enable the government to plan.”
Earlier, Principal of the MS Training Center for Development Cooperation (MS-TCDC), Dr Suma Kaare said Africa is endowed with a wide range of minerals, but these have not relieved people from poverty.

She said although governments have attempted to cope with the new developments in the extractive industry, more has to be done so that the sector brings impact to as many people as possible.

Dr Saare suggested the need for the mining sector to be transparent, inclusive and people-centered.

The seminar brought on board prominent scholars in the sector, politicians representing the interests of communities interested in the extractive sector, community representatives, and policy makers, CSO practitioners working in the sector, donors, and students.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Tanzania, Thailand ink four economic pacts

Tanzania and Thailand yesterday signed four bilateral pacts meant to encourage inclusive economic development between the two countries.

Finance minister Dr William Mgimwa and Thai Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Surapong Tovichakchaikul inked two of the agreements at the State House in Dar es Salaam in the presence of President Jakaya Kikwete and Thai Premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

President Jakaya Kikwete welcomes Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra shortly after the latter jetted into the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The agreements are on promotion and protection of investments and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on technical cooperation.

Thai Foreign minister also signed one of the agreements with Home Affairs deputy minister Pereira Silima on the transfer of sentenced persons and cooperation in the enforcement of penal sentences.

The fourth agreement was on energy and minerals, inked by the minister Prof Sospeter Muhongo and Director of the state-owned Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, Porngawat Wathanakul.

Before witnessing the signing of the agreements, the Thai Prime Minister and President Kikwete held closed door talks at the State House.
The Thai Premier was scheduled to have a discussion with various businessmen in Dar es Salaam late yesterday to brief them on Thailand-African cooperation and investment.

The Premier was also scheduled to have an interview with Uongozi Institute officials before participating in the mini exhibition on Thai products.

According to the Premier’s itinerary, she is today expected to fly to Serengeti National Park and later to Zanzibar.

On arrival yesterday, Premier Shinawatra was received by President Kikwete and other senior government officials.
She received a 21-gun salute and inspected a guard of honour.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

World Bank upbeat about Africa's growth pace

The World Bank Group committed a record USD 14.7 billion in fiscal year 2013 (July 2012 to June 2013) to support economic growth and better development prospects in Africa despite uncertain economic conditions in the rest of the global economy.

In a press statement released on Monday, World Bank Vice President for the African Region Makhtar Diop said the region has shown remarkable resilience in the face of a global recession and continues to grow strongly.

World Bank

Diop also said that Africa is at the centre of the World Bank Group 2030 goals of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity, in an environmentally, socially, and fiscally sustainable manner.

“The World Bank Group continued its strong commitment to Africa approving USD 8.25 billion in new lending for nearly 100 projects this fiscal year (FY13). These commitments include a record USD 8.2 billion in zero-interest credits and grants from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries. This is the highest level of new IDA commitments by any region in the Bank’s history,” he said
He pointed out that the International Finance Corporation (IFC’s) total commitment volume in Sub-Saharan Africa, including mobilisation, grew to a record USD 5.3 billion, 34 per cent more than a year before.

Similarly, IFC’s spending on Advisory Services programmes in the region increased to more than USD 65 million, about 30 percent of IFC’s total.

This led to increased results in fragile and conflict states and greater impact in IFC’s primary areas of focus such as sustainable farming opportunities, access to finance for microfinance clients and individuals, improved infrastructure services, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Supporting developmentally beneficial foreign direct investment into Sub-Saharan Africa is a priority for MIGA. In 2013, the Agency issued USD 1.5 billion in guarantees supporting investments into projects in the agribusiness, oil and gas, power, services, and water sectors.

A significant volume of this coverage is for investments in power generation projects in Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 54 per cent of MIGA’s new volume this year -- more than double last year’s level of 24 per cent.

The Bank Group’s support focused on major transformational projects in agriculture and power, and also on social safety nets, conditional cash transfers for poor families, job creation programs for young people, and higher education.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Dar hosts International Youth Camp

Government has told youths to use all available resources and opportunities in the country to overcome unemployment instead sitting idle and keep on throwing heaps of blames to their governments.

Minister of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Fenella Mukangara made a call yesterday in Dar-es-Salaam during the opening of the International Youth Camp whereby youths from different parts of the world meet to discuss different issues facing them in the contemporary world.

Dr Fenella Mukangara, Minister of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture

“You the youths you need to change mind set and use the available opportunities and resources at your exposal to change your lives and communities instead of blaming your governments over unemployment,” she advised.

According to Mukangara the government can employ only 20 percent of university graduates, leaving the 80 per cent unemployed.

Mukangara said the government understands its duty of helping youths to achieve their dreams and it is ready to help them change their perspectives.

She said youths can only overcome various challenges facing them like unemployment by only uniting and form entrepreneurial groups, venture and work together in different areas of life.

Dr Mukangara said since the country is implementing “Kilimo Kwanza Policy,” it is the right time for the youths to fully engage in the agricultural sector where there are still abundant opportunities that can be used to develop them and national as well.

The development of any country is not the task of the government only, but every individual has the role to play towards the development of his country; and youths, in particular have a significant role to play in this.

She urged youths through the different formed organisations to start utilising the available financial institutions such as VICOBA, FINCA and Youth Development Fund, because by using them effectively their lives would be transformed
However, the minister has warned youths to shun away from being puppets of politicians for their own interest through the ladder of unemployment, but rather called them to change their mindsets.

On his part, the Director of the International Youth Fellowship in Tanzania, Joen Hee Yong said challenges were crucial since they enable people to move forward; and the youths have to take challenges facing them positively, because it is through those challenges, they get their solutions.

Yong said it is difficult for youths to develop without changing their mindsets. “Challenges usually come like strong wind, and in order for one to develop have to penetrate through that wind,” he noted.

"Challenges are inevitable and in order for the youths to develop they have to face challenges positively because by doing so it enables them to get solutions to overcome their challenges,” said Yong.

The 5th International Youth Camp that started its camp yesterday drawn about 1500 youths from around 80 countries across the world will be in Tanzania for five days.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN