Tanzania Launches STOSAR II Project with EUR 10 Million EU Funding to Strengthen Agriculture, Food Safety, and Market Access in SADC Region

The Government of Tanzania, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, and the European Union (EU), has officially launched the second phase of the Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (STOSAR II) project.

The project is funded by the EU under the Development Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA), which promotes research and innovation partnerships for climate-smart, sustainable, and inclusive agri-food systems.

The new phase, running from 2025 to 2028, is backed by a EUR 10 million investment from the EU under the Development of Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA) programme.

STOSAR II follows STOSAR I (2018–2024), which established frameworks for sustainable agriculture and food systems across the 16 SADC Member States, including Tanzania.

During STOSAR I, Tanzania strengthened Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, enabling six exporting companies sourcing from over 2,000 avocado farmers to access markets in South Africa, China, and India.

Disease surveillance confirmed the absence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and banana Fusarium wilt (Foc TR4).

A vaccination campaign against Peste des Petits Ruminants improved livestock health, and groundwork was laid for meat exports to Mauritius.

Building on these results, STOSAR II will focus on four strategic areas: Agricultural Information Management Systems (AIMS) to enhance national agricultural data platforms; Market Access through improved plant and animal health systems and SPS frameworks; Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) via early warning systems and monitoring tools; and Inclusive Value Chains promoting the participation of women, youth, and small and medium enterprises in sustainable agricultural markets.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Edwin Mhede, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, said on behalf of Minister Ashatu Kijaji, “The STOSAR II initiative comes at a time when the need for robust Sanitary and Phytosanitary Systems frameworks has never been more urgent. As we strive to improve food safety, protect plant and animal health, and unlock new market opportunities for our farmers and agribusinesses, this project offers a timely and strategic response”.

FAO Representative Dr Nyabenyi Tipo added, “FAO is proud to support this process. We believe that the success of STOSAR II will be measured not just by the systems we strengthen, but by the impact we create for farmers, traders, and consumers, those who rely on safe and efficient agricultural systems every day”.

Mr. Lamine Diallo, head of Natural Resources at the European Union Delegation in Tanzania, emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s agricultural sector through the Global Gateway initiative, which aims to enhance sustainable infrastructure, strengthen trade, and foster cooperation.