In a strategic move to strengthen its regional economy, Tanzania’s capital city of Dodoma has officially unveiled an ambitious cultural tourism drive, aimed at showcasing the rich heritage of the Gogo, Rangi, Sandawe, and Wamia communities across the central region.
According to DailyNews, Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule stated that the plan is expected to be officially launched on August 4 this year, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, expected as the guest of honour.
RC Senyamule said the initiative will showcase the traditions and lifestyles of the region’s major ethnic communities, including the Gogo, Sandawe, Rangi, and Burunge, as key attractions for both domestic and international tourists. “These communities have rich traditions— from traditional dances to indigenous cuisine and folk songs—that can be showcased as unique tourism products,” she said.
In addition to cultural tourism, Dodoma will promote eco-tourism and agritourism, capitalising on local features such as the Swagaswaga and Mkungunero forest reserves, which border the famed Tarangire National Park. Senyamule also highlighted grape farming, a major agricultural activity in the region, as an avenue for agritourism.
“Many visitors are interested in the wine-making process and agricultural experiences,” she noted. The regional boss called on local and international stakeholders to collaborate in promoting Dodoma’s tourism potential and linking it with attractions in neighbouring regions to create a comprehensive travel experience. Sorghum farmers call for faster access to farm loans DESPITE the presence of reliable markets and supportive projects, sorghum farmers in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region, continue to face multiple challenges affecting their productivity, notably lack of capital and slow loan disbursement.
The challenges were brought to light during a recent stakeholders’ forum organised by ActionAid Tanzania and the World Food Programme (WFP) under the Climate Resilient Sorghum Value Chain project, with funding from the Embassy of Ireland. Farmer Alex Ngombwe from Godegode village expressed concern over the persistent barriers to accessing farm inputs and modern tools. “We have fertile land and the potential to expand. But without timely loans and tools, productivity remains low,” he said. “We appeal to government agencies and development partners to improve access to finance so we can fully use our farmland.” Echoing similar concerns, Acting Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Officer for Mpwapwa, Mr Daniel Sallah, urged commercial banks such as CRDB and NMB to speed up loan approvals to support farming timelines.
