Tanzania launches five-year plan for prison food self-sufficiency
The Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Daniel Sillo, addresses MPs' questions during the Questions and Answers session in Parliament in Dodoma on May 14, 2025.PHOTO | EDWIN MJWAHUZI
What you need to know:
- Tanzania Prisons Service, has developed a strategic framework to expand irrigation farming to boost food production.
Dar es Salaam. The government has unveiled a Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025/26–2029/30) aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency within the country’s prison system.
The Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Daniel Sillo, announced the plan in Parliament on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, during the Questions and Answers session.
He was responding to primary and supplementary questions from Lulindi MP (CCM), Mr Issa Mchungahela, who sought clarification on concrete measures being taken to ensure prisoners produce their food instead of depending on external purchases.
In his response, Mr Sillo said the government, through the Tanzania Prisons Service, has developed a strategic framework to expand irrigation farming to boost food production.
“By June 2030, the goal is to produce 46,267 tonnes of maize, 6,359 tonnes of rice, 7,757 tonnes of beans, and 1,750 tonnes of cooking oil,” he said.
He emphasised that irrigation agriculture would be the main driver of increased yields across correctional facilities.
In his supplementary question, Mr Mchungahela noted that prisoners and inmates still rely on government subsidies for food and often face hardship upon release.
“What is the government’s strategy to ensure prisoners and inmates not only grow food effectively during incarceration, but also acquire skills that can help them earn a living after serving their sentences?” he asked.
In response, Mr Sillo reiterated that the core objective of the plan is to produce adequate food to meet the nutritional needs of all inmates, while also contributing to the Consolidated Fund.
“As I said in my initial response, the government’s approach focuses on expanding food production and improving efficiency to meet demand in prisons nationwide,” he said.
He added that the agricultural skills acquired through prison farming initiatives would also help prepare inmates for productive reintegration into society.
The strategic plan is expected to reduce dependence on external food supplies, strengthen rehabilitation efforts, and promote sustainability within the correctional system.
