NATURAL Resources and Tourism Minister, Dr Pindi Chana, has underscored the importance of adding value to agricultural produce as a critical catalyst in advancing Tanzania’s emerging food tourism industry.

Speaking in Dodoma yesterday during her tour of the 32nd National Farmers, Livestock Keepers, and Fishers Exhibition—popularly known as Nane Nane—Dr Chana said that the growing linkage between agriculture and tourism is opening new economic opportunities for farmers and the country at large. 

She noted that her ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), recently launched a formal food tourism product designed to provide visitors with a cultural and culinary journey by offering them a taste of authentic Tanzanian cuisine during their travels.

Dr Chana stressed that the success of food tourism is inherently tied to the strength of Tanzania’s agriculture base, which employs about 70 percent of the population. She said increasing the value of agricultural produce will not only boost farmers’ incomes but also attract more tourists eager to explore Tanzanian gastronomy.

“We want tourists to do more than just see our iconic wildlife and beaches—they should also have the chance to enjoy our unique and diverse food. This requires us to support farmers in value addition processes,” she stated.

Citing an example from the exhibition, she expressed excitement at seeing local innovators transform beans into packaged biscuits, which retail at 4,000/- per tin—compared to 3,000/- for a kilo of raw beans—demonstrating the economic benefits of agro-processing.

She further applauded the government’s ongoing reforms in the tourism sector which she said had significantly improved infrastructure and marketing, resulting in a sharp increase in international arrivals.

The minister said her ministry was actively participating through exhibitions showcasing wildlife conservation and live animal tourism. She encouraged residents of Dodoma and other visitors to explore the tourism pavilions to gain knowledge and appreciate the interconnection between nature, agriculture and culture.