Celebrating Nane Nane – Tanzania Farmers Day 2024

Smiling Tanzanian woman farmer carrying her harvest in a basket

Every year on August 8th, Tanzania comes alive with vibrant celebrations to honour the hardworking farmers who are the backbone of our nation. Known as Nane Nane (which means “eight eight” in Swahili), this day is dedicated to recognising the immense contributions of farmers to our economy and society1.

The significance of Nane Nane

Agriculture is the lifeblood of Tanzania, employing half of the country’s workforce and contributing nearly a third of the gross domestic product1. From the lush fields of maize to the sprawling sugar plantations, our farmers toil tirelessly to ensure food security and economic stability. Nane Nane is not just a day off; it is a celebration of their dedication, resilience, and innovation.

A week of festivities

The celebrations begin on August 1st, culminating in grand events on August 8th. Agricultural fairs are held across the country, showcasing the latest technologies, innovations, and best practices in farming2. These fairs are a platform for farmers to learn, share, and grow together. They also provide an opportunity for the public to appreciate the hard work that goes into producing the food we eat every day.

Innovations and progress

This year, the focus is on sustainable and inclusive agriculture. The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) is expanding its successful model to new regions, aiming to create more resilient and thriving agricultural communities2. By leveraging experience and collaborative approaches, SAGCOT is poised to transform Tanzania’s agricultural landscape, making it a leading global player capable of feeding Africa and the world.

This image shows a woman walking along a dirt path in a rural area, carrying a hoe over her shoulder. She is dressed in a colorful traditional wrap and headscarf. The background features tall green grass and trees, suggesting an agricultural setting. Superimposed on the image are small circular images depicting various agricultural products, including sweet potatoes, bananas, beans, cashews, leafy greens, and mangoes.

Honoring our farmers

As we celebrate Nane Nane, let us take a moment to reflect on the vital role that farmers play in our lives. Their work is not just about growing crops; it is about nurturing the land, preserving our heritage, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

To all the farmers of Tanzania, we salute you. Your hard work, dedication, and innovation are the foundation of our nation’s prosperity. Happy Nane Nane!

Join the celebration:

  • Visit a local agricultural fair: Engage with farmers, learn about new farming techniques, and see the latest innovations in agriculture.
  • Support local farmers: Buy fresh produce from local markets and support the farmers who work tirelessly to bring food to our tables.
  • Spread the word: Share stories and posts about Nane Nane on social media to raise awareness and appreciation for our farmers.

Let’s come together to celebrate and honor the incredible contributions of our farmers. Happy Nane Nane!

This image features a split design with a diagonal yellow and black stripe across the center. The top left portion shows a market scene with baskets of grains and legumes labeled with prices, including "Super Mbeya" and "Super Basmati." The bottom right portion features a black-and-white image of an older woman wearing a headscarf, carrying a large woven basket on her back. The text in the diagonal stripe reads "NANE NANE" followed by "spread the word" with an upward-pointing arrow icon. Surrounding the text are icons for social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

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