EXPERTS ADVOCATE FOR INCLUSIVE GREEN GROWTH (IGG) TOOLS TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENTS AND BOOST HARVESTS

Date: Sunday, 9 March 2025 | Venue: Online (ClubHouse & YouTube)

Agribusiness East Africa, in collaboration with agricultural stakeholders—AMAGRO (Association of Mango Growers Tanzania), COPRA, SAGCOT, TOSCI, TAHA, NatureRipe, and Diligent Consulting Ltd, among others—hosted a specialized debate on applying Inclusive Green Growth (IGG Tools) in sustainable farming. The virtual event convened experts, farmers, and industry leaders to address climate change challenges and environmental degradation in agriculture.

Key Highlights from Experts

Engineer Octavian Lasway (Moderator): “Short-Term Profit Farming Must End”

“Historically, rivers and natural springs have dried up due to poor resource management. Today, farmers face droughts and floods because of unsustainable practices. IGG Tools help analyze farming’s environmental impact and offer inclusive solutions.”

John Banga (SAGCOT Centre Limited): “Climate Change Is Real, Not a Myth”

Banga emphasized the irreversible damage caused by environmental neglect:

1. On Climate Change Reality
   “Forty years ago, rivers flowed abundantly. Now, even heavy rains fail to refill them. IGG Tools assess how agriculture impacts carbon emissions, soil health, and community engagement.”
2. Urgency of Compliance
   “Environmental conservation is no longer voluntary. Compliance with IGG Tools and ESG criteria will soon be mandatory for market access. SAGCOT is transitioning to AGCOT to strengthen sustainable growth corridors in Tanzania.”
3. Environmental Degradation
   “Over 70% of investments in Iringa and Njombe failed environmental standards before IGG Tools intervened. Compliance is improving, but urgency remains.”
4. Role of IGG Tools
   “IGG Tools are a lifeline. They help investors measure carbon footprints, prioritize conservation, and align with national sustainability goals.”
5. Collaboration Over Isolation
   “Environmental harm in Njombe or Iringa affects us all. Sustainability is a collective responsibility. SAGCOT’s Green Reference Group unites government, private sector, and communities.”
6. Future Generations
   “If Tanzania’s population reaches 250 million by 2100, current farming practices will fail. IGG Tools balance food security with environmental stewardship.”
7. Tech-Driven Solutions
   “Traditional farming is obsolete. Tools like drip irrigation and soil conservation are essential to adapt to erratic rainfall.”
8. Policy Integration
   “IGG Tools align with Tanzania’s updated NDC targets and global climate agreements, bridging policy and practice.”
9. Economic Sustainability
   “Profit cannot come at the cost of ecosystems. IGG Tools force investors to prioritize preserving water, soil, and biodiversity.”
10. Call to Action
    “Farmers must adopt IGG Tools today—your survival and the planet’s depend on it.”

Hon. Jitu Son (ACT Vice Chairman): “Regulatory Gaps Threaten Sustainability”

Hon. Jitu Son critiqued systemic failures in enforcing environmental standards:

• Regulatory Double Standards
  “Formal farms near rivers face strict rules, while informal farmers on slopes burn forests unchecked.”
• Formal vs. Informal Divide
  “A formal farmer cultivating 200 acres faces audits, while an informal neighbor farming 700 acres escapes scrutiny.”
• Consequences of Inaction
  “In Magugu, 60% of farmland is barren due to siltation and desertification, yet no action is taken.”
• Call for Inclusive Policies
  “IGG Tools must bridge the formal-informal divide. Universal regulations with smallholder support are critical.”

Event Details

🗓️ Date: Sunday, 9 March 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 PM (EAT)
📍 Platforms:

• YouTube: Watch here