- TPHPA directed to acquire 3 aircraft and 36 drones for aerial agriculture.
- Aerial centres to be established in Arusha, Dodoma, Mbeya, and Mwanza.
- Pest control efforts already saved thousands of hectares and crops nationwide.
The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) is set to acquire three aircraft and a fleet of drones as part of a national push to modernize agriculture and enhance pest control operations.
Beyond pest control, the initiative supports a broader development plan, including the creation of aerial agriculture centers in key regions with advanced laboratories and infrastructure.
TPHPA Expands Aerial Agriculture Capabilities to Safeguard National Food Security
Minister Hussein Bashe’s directive to procure new aircraft and drones marks a significant investment in aerial agricultural technology, aimed at scaling up the country’s capacity to manage pest outbreaks efficiently. The urgency of the directive stems from a broader strategy to align government efforts with the agricultural focus of the ruling party’s manifesto.
The establishment of aerial centres in Arusha, Dodoma, Mbeya, and Mwanza will provide dedicated spaces equipped with modern labs and infrastructure to support data-driven pest control. These hubs are expected to improve surveillance, facilitate rapid response, and minimize crop damage across diverse agro-ecological zones.
Drone technology will play a vital role in reaching remote areas and applying pesticides with precision, reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional methods. The creation of 36 drone centres, along with designated operational land, underscores a shift toward sustainable and tech-enabled farming solutions.
Prof Joseph Ndunguru of TPHPA highlighted recent pest control successes, including the protection of over 358,000 acres of maize from rats and the elimination of 200 million quelea birds. With more aerial assets, the Authority will be less reliant on leasing foreign aircraft, boosting regional response capacity and ensuring food security.
Tanzania’s investment in aerial agricultural tools signals a strong commitment to innovation, resilience, and independence in securing its food systems.
“You can’t build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery.” — Dr. Norman Borlaug
