Africa-Press – Tanzania. NATIONAL League for Democracy (NLD) party presidential candidate Mr Doyo Hassan Doyo has pledged to address the long-standing challenges faced by pigeon pea farmers in Manyara Region, including unstable markets and low prices.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Manyara, Mr Doyo said if given mandate to lead the government during the October 29th General Election, one of NLD’s core priorities is ensuring market stability and profitability for farmers.
“We will work to secure reliable markets and ensure fair pricing that guarantees profitability for pigeon pea farmers. For too long, these farmers have been at the mercy of fluctuating prices and exploitative middlemen,” said Mr Doyo.
He added that his administration would collaborate with traders and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to establish a structured pricing framework that benefits both producers and buyers.
In a further effort to boost agricultural productivity, Mr Doyo promised that, under NLD leadership, the government would produce fertilisers locally in large quantities and distribute it to farmers free of charge.
“Fertilisers will be produced in abundance within the country and provided to farmers at no cost. This is a major step in empowering the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy,” he stated.
Mr Doyo also underpinned the importance of agriculture to the national GDP, noting that it remains the primary source of income for millions of Tanzanians across all age groups.
He pledged that his party would double employment opportunities by modernising agriculture and diversifying crop production.
His NLD manifesto is built on six guiding pillars: Patriotism, justice, inclusive development, equality, accountability and governance grounded in ethics.
One of his strongest pledges is to end the burden of delivery fees for mothers.
“How can we still charge 100,000/- for childbirth after 64 years of independence? That is unconscionable. Under NLD, maternal services will be free,” he declares.
He also vows to cut MPs’ salaries to 1.5m/- per month while significantly raising doctors’ pay to 12m/-.
“Leadership must serve the people, not private interests,” he argues. On economic policy, he promises to empower households to move beyond petty trade into sustainable, profitable ventures.
He calls for local value addition to natural resources, aiming to clear national debts within five years through domestic revenues. He also highlights the blue economy, pledging to acquire a deep-sea fishing vessel and process fish locally for jobs and exports.
Education is another priority. He advocates free, practical education at all levels, equipping citizens with the skills for both employment and entrepreneurship.
“Graduates must be job creators as well as job seekers,” he stresses. Mr Doyo believes social justice is inseparable from national progress.
He promises to reform legal systems so that justice becomes accessible, not something citizens have to “chase.”
Within 90 days of taking office, he pledges to repeal the AntiTerrorism Act, which he argues has been misused.
Meanwhile, a participant at the rally, Mr Fabian Cosmas urged political candidates to be mindful of their promises during campaigns, particularly when addressing vulnerable communities.
“Politicians should avoid making promises they can’t keep. It’s better to educate voters and focus on realistic and achievable goals, especially for low-income communities,” he cautioned.
As the election campaign intensifies in Manyara, farmers remain hopeful, buoyed by the numerous pledges from various aspirants.
However, pigeon pea farmers, in particular, continue to grapple with unpredictable prices and limited access to markets, challenges that have long hindered their ability to achieve sustainable growth.
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