Irrigation is important in Tanzania to deal with the erratic rainfall, especially in the context of climate change. Irrigation can minimize frequent food shortages that are attributable to dependence on rainfall, and increase yields. However, to do this effectively requires a range of infrastructure that will provide for a wide range of crops and efficient water use. Recognizing this need, the government of Tanzania has made ambitious commitments to expand the area irrigated, and set up the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) to deliver on this potential. The NIC strategy currently being developed identifies Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as important, but seeks advice on appropriate models of PPP. Research studies supported by DFID-ESRC Growth Research Programme have been examining different modes of irrigation development in Tanzania. This workshop provided an opportunity to bring research and policy together to advance irrigation development in Tanzania.

Agenda of this workshop:

Welcome and Introduction to the Workshop Objectives | 9:00am – 9:15am        
Speaker: Eng. January Kayumbe, Big Results Now, Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries.

Officiating Remarks | 9:15am – 9:30am
Eng. Dr. Eliakim C. Matekere, Acting Director General, National Irrigation Commission

Overview of Irrigation Policy in Tanzania: Objectives and Key Questions | 9:30am – 10:15am (Presentation)     
Presenter: Dr. Joachim Makoi, National Irrigation Commission, Ministry of Water and Irrigation/ National Irrigation Commission Representative.
Facilitator: Bahati Rukiko, National Irrigation Commission.

Presentation: “Assessing Models of Public Private Partnership: What have we learned?” | 10:30am – 11:15am (Presentation) 
Presenter: Dr. Ruth Meinzen-Dick, IFPRI; Dr. Faustin Maganga, University of Dar Es Salaam.
Facilitator: Bahati Rukiko

Presentation: “Farmer-led Irrigation: re-framing agricultural investment?” | 11:15am – 12:00pm (Presentation)
Presenter: Dr. Hans Komakech, Nelson Mandela University-AIST.
Facilitator: Dr. Mosses Mnzava, National Irrigation Commission.

Presentation: “Competing demands for irrigation water: challenges for PPPs” | 13:00pm – 13:45pm (Presentation)             
Presenter: Dr. Anna Mdee, Overseas Development Institute.
Facilitator: Eng. Jaivi Lukuta, National Irrigation Commission.

Working groups to discuss implications for Irrigation Policy in Tanzania | 13:45pm – 16:00pm
Facilitator: Steve Wiggins, Overseas Development Institute.

Presentation of working group outcomes and discussion | 16:00pm – 16:45pm  
Facilitator: Steve Wiggins, Overseas Development Institute.

Next steps and closing | 16:45pm – 17:00pm      
Facilitator: Bahati Rukiko, National Irrigation Commission.

Reception | 17:00pm – 18:00pm              
Facilitator: Eng. Jaivi Lukuta, National Irrigation Commission.