Is he a firm proponent of a free market economy or he simply “dont get it” with regard to the economics behind the agricultural industry???

Or are we witnessing the absence of “coherent and consistent” agricultural policy?

Magufuri told farmers that, the govt will not provide assistance in case of food shortage…..the implication is that, it will be farmers’ fault that there will be food shortage…….mhhh!!

Overall, this just says one thing; either there is no such a thing as an agricultural policy or it is not well developed to reflect some unforessen contingents like bad weather.

European have Common Agricultural Policy(CAP); that have emerged from its birth in the 60s. The aim is simply this; to help farmers in case there is a need for that. The philosophy behind the policy is that, unprotecting the industry will lead to food shortage. What else? Prices fluctuations caused by alternating good and bad season is not a welcome for a smooth economic growth of any country. To stabilize agricultural products prices, and ensure a good standard of living for its citizens, countries enact these kind of policies. 

USA has what it calls Agricultural Adjustments Act; with the same goal. The policy has evolved from its inception in the 1930s.

Tanzania should not second-guess itself when it comes to the agricultural sector. The industry needs govt protection. Magufuri’s statements were so unfortunate.

If more diverse economies; less-dependent on agriculture as the engine of their economic growth like EU and USA have the policy in place,…..why not Tanzania?!!!