Norbert Z. Mwitta, a participant in the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) program and an officer at Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance, shared insights in an interview on how strategic resource mobilization can support the nation’s climate-smart agriculture (CSA) goals and how the program supports the work to achieve those goals. He is responsible for mobilizing external financial resources from development partners, including Sweden, and speaks passionately about aligning agricultural and climate objectives with national development priorities.
Norbert Mwitta emphasized that his participation in the IGE program has been a transformative experience for him that enhances his professional work.
“Participating in the IGE program under the theme of Climate-Smart Agriculture is highly relevant. It enhances my understanding of how CSA can be effectively positioned within national and regional investment priorities,” he said.
He explained that CSA is not merely about increasing agricultural productivity, but is a comprehensive approach to strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainability, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Mobilizing resources for climate-smart solutions
A critical takeaway for Norbert Mwitta is the importance of integrating CSA into budgeting and investment frameworks. He sees opportunities to leverage concessional financing, grants, and climate-related investment platforms to support these initiatives.
“I immediately see opportunities to align resource mobilization efforts with CSA goals,” he noted.
“This includes designing project proposals that meet both development and climate criteria, ensuring they are attractive to a wide range of financing sources.”
Currently, Mwitta is exploring financing models for projects aimed at climate-resilient infrastructure and agricultural value chains in rural areas—projects that align with Tanzania’s broader green economy objectives.
The program supports cross-country learning and collaboration
Norbert Mwitta highlighted how the IGE program fosters collaborative learning among participants from Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—countries where the program is actively implemented, as part of efforts to drive green economy transformation across the Global South.
The 2025 phase of the program focuses specifically on climate-smart agriculture (CSA), aiming to enhance regional capacity to integrate CSA into planning, budgeting, and investment strategies.
“It is wonderful to witness economists engaging deeply in discussions on agriculture, while agricultural officials thoughtfully explore economic policy tools,” he remarked.
“This kind of dialogue is essential for designing effective, climate-smart solutions.”
This cross-sectoral and cross-country dialogue helps, according to Mwitta, dismantle silos between ministries and builds strategic partnerships that are vital for CSA financing.
A forward-looking approach to development financing
Norbert Mwitta is optimistic about the future of CSA in Tanzania and is already applying new tools and perspectives from the IGE program in his work. He believes that the growing attention to climate-resilient agriculture presents a unique opportunity for Tanzania to unlock development finance while addressing pressing environmental and social challenges.
“I leave each session more committed to ensuring that the projects we develop and finance contribute meaningfully to a climate-smart, inclusive, and sustainable future for Tanzania,” he concluded.
Aligns with ongoing CSA initiatives in Tanzania
Tanzania is currently rolling out several initiatives that resonate with Mwitta’s vision. The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with development partners, is scaling up CSA practices through programs such as the Climate Resilient Agribusiness for Tomorrow (CRAFT) and initiatives supported by the Green Climate Fund. These projects focus on sustainable land management, climate-smart irrigation, and value chain development—all aimed at improving resilience and livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
By: Salvatory Macha