Dr. Kikwete Advocates for Agricultural Research Investments

The President of the fourth term of the United republic of Tanzania Dr. Jakaya Kikwete has said that there is a need for African countries to invest more in research and agriculture in order to empower youth to find a direction for development to reduce and eliminate poverty on the continent of Africa.

 The use of accurate statistics in formulating anti-poverty policies is a priority task for achieving effective development for citizens and young people in countries.

“When we use statistics regularly, it is a good step in identifying the problem and the source of its solution effectively”, he added.

Former President of the fourth term, Jakaya Kikwete, made these remarks today in Arusha during the opening of an international conference discussing poverty issues, organized by the Oxford Policy Management (OPM) in collaboration with other organizations.

He said that the fight against poverty requires both national and international solidarity, as it is unacceptable to live in a world abundant in wealth while millions lack basic necessities such as food, education, and healthcare.

“With five years remaining until the end of 2030 to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we are still lagging behind, primarily due to the challenges faced in the past five years, including the global Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and the adverse effects of climate change,” he added 

He explained that under the new measure, individuals considered to be living in extreme poverty are now defined as those living on less than USD 3.0 per day, adding that each President during their term in Tanzania has made efforts to implement the Vision 2050 aimed at reducing poverty and transitioning into a middle-income country.”

Additionally, the Country Director of Oxford Policy Management (OPM) in Tanzania, Dr. Charles Sokile, mentioned that previously, individuals living on less than USD 1.25 were regarded as living in extreme poverty, emphasizing that agriculture and research will enable the understanding of poverty levels and strategies for economic recovery