22/09/2025
China Agricultural University, Tanzania's IRDP In Joint Project To Boost Crop Production, Processing in Morogoro Rural
In The Project Which Reflects Mutual Cooperation Between The Embassy Of China In Tanzania And The Government Of Tanzania, Experts From The Two Varsities Are Empowering The Farmers To Process Soybeans Into High Nutritious Milk.
MOROGORO. TANZANIA and China have continued to bolster bilateral relations following implementation of a joint project for boosting crop production and processing in Morogoro region.
Through the robust agricultural research based initiative which is taking shape in Mtego wa Simba village, Morogoro Region, the China Agricultural University (CAU) is working in sync with the Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) to impart maize and soybeans farmers with best agronomic practices and processing technologies.
In the project which reflects mutual cooperation between the Embassy of China in Tanzania and the government of Tanzania, experts from the two varsities are empowering the farmers to process soybeans into high nutritious milk.
Briefing the publication over the development, IRDP's Deputy Rector for Academic, Research, and Consultancy, Prof Provident Dimoso said the project was playing key role to enhance food production, improving household income and nutrition for school children.
"Through the project, soybeans are processed into milk and distributed freely to pupils of Juhudi Primary School, helping boost attendance and wellbeing," he informed.
Meanwhile, surplus maize production provides additional income opportunities for rural families, according to him.
The Don commended CAU’s contribution to improving rural livelihoods, expressed that IRDP was proud to partner with the Chinese- based reputable agricultural varsity in the implementation of the timely initiative.
"Villagers who are benefiting from the soybean project are thankful to the People’s Republic of China, through China Agricultural University, for bringing the much- needed technology and skills that have transformed their lives," Prof Dimoso briefed.
He noted that the villagers emphasized the importance of expanding such initiatives to wider population of Tanzanians, not only for the purpose of generating income, but also to address nutrition challenges facing women, youth, and children.
As part of the established cooperation, Prof Dimoso recently joined Chinese and other Tanzanian officials in an organised event for the launch of the Kiswahili edition of the book titled "Kupambana Na Kuondokana Na Umaskini" (Up and Out of Poverty), and a symposium on poverty alleviation.
The launch was held on Thursday, 11th September 2025, at the Embassy of China in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Written by the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinpin, the 242 paged book delves to highlight key issues to help local communities to escape from the shackles of poverty.
In her brief remarks at the launching event, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Hon. Chen Mingjian, expressed that China was keen and ready to extend bilateral relations, especially in assisting Tanzania to achieve the diverse set socioeconomic targets.
For his side, in his remarks at the event, Prof Dimoso reaffirmed IRDP’s dedication to international cooperation and engagement in global platforms addressing sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
He lauded the enduring cooperation between China and Tanzania, underscoring its role in poverty reduction and academic development.
He stressed over the need to further deepen the partnership for the benefit of both nations’ citizens and institutions.
"IRDP is looking foward to further extending mutual cooperation with CAU, with an eye to advance education, research, and poverty reduction initiatives," he added.
He detailed, IRDP and CAU have so far established a long working partnership, the development which has opened a fresh academic window for exchanging program between the two varsities.
"Through the partnership our lectures are now getting opportunities to attend key learning programs in China for elevating their research and academic capacity," he expressed.
The People's Republic of China (PRC) established diplomatic relations with Tanganyika and Zanzibar on December 9, 1961, and December 11, 1963, respectively.
When Tanganyika and Zanzibar were united and became Tanzania on April 26, 1964, the PRC extended its diplomatic ties to it.
Today, China is Tanzania's largest trading partner. The bilateral trade volume reached a historic peak of $8.88 billion in 2024. Tanzania exports raw materials like oilseeds, copper, and precious metals, while importing a wide range of manufactured goods, electronics, and machinery from China.
