IFAD and China partner to leverage digital solutions for climate-resilient agriculture in Tanzania

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) signed on May 7 to support the Leveraging Satellite-based Digital Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Tanzania (SAT-CARE) Project.

With a US$2.268 million investment from China’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, the SAT-CARE Project will enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience in Tanzania through the application of available, accessible, affordable, and actionable satellite-based information and communication technology (ICT). The initiative will directly benefit 5,000 smallholder farmers and indirectly reach up to 1 million farmers across the country.

Established in 2018, CIDCA is the foreign aid and international development agency directly under China’s State Council that support south-south cooperation in other developing countries and is committed to advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“The SAT-CARE project presents the first valuable opportunity to leverage China’s expertise in satellite technology through our growing partnership with CIDCA,” said Wang Wei, Chief Partnership Officer and Special Adviser to IFAD President. “Together, we are bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainable agricultural transformation in Tanzania and beyond.”

Tanzania’s agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of its economy and livelihoods, is in urgent need of innovation to overcome persistent challenges. Farmers face low productivity, limited access to modern technologies, and rising climate-related risks. There is a growing demand for practical, affordable and scalable solutions that can deliver timely information, strengthen resilience, and boost incomes—especially among smallholder farmers in rural areas.

To address these needs, the SAT-CARE Project will introduce satellite-driven, data-informed approaches that provide real-time agricultural monitoring and support smart decision-making. Building on the foundation laid by the IFAD-supported Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP) and previous IFAD-China SSTC initiatives in Tanzania, the project will support the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture in developing a comprehensive satellite-based agricultural information system. This includes a digital agriculture platform, mobile advisory services, and tailored technical assistance designed to benefit farmers along the seed value chain.

Chinese experts from non-governmental organizations and the private sector will deliver both on-site training and remote technical support, helping to build national and local capacity and encouraging the adoption of digital agriculture practices across Tanzania. Through IFAD’s SSTC platform, the SAT-CARE model will be documented and shared to inspire similar initiatives in other African countries, amplifying its impact and encouraging regional innovation in food security, climate resilience, and rural prosperity.