The Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives was formed in the year 2013 after amending the former Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department. From which two departments were formed, these are Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives Department; and Livestock and Fisheries Department. The name of the department reflects the major three sections of the department itself, which are Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives.
It’s overall goal in the council is to ensure that the people of Njombe District Council are food secured while increasing their household incomes.
Agriculture is a good source of food, it provides raw materials for manufacturing industries, it provides employment, it contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation. It emphasizes development by encouraging construction of transport facilities like railways, roads and ports. Agriculture is a good source of foreign currency. In Njombe District irrigation ensures household food security, improve farmers’ income and alleviate poverty through increase in agricultural production and productivity resulting from accessibility to irrigation water.
Irrigation is a means for intensified agriculture and increased production. Cooperatives have been an important part of the development of Njombe district since independence. As it brings poor people together, through cooperatives it help to reduce poverty.
Cooperative assists farmers to get capital and good prices of their produces.
The core functions of the department are:
Supervising Agricultural, Irrigation and Cooperatives activities.
To Advise the District Executive Director (DED) about all issues relating to Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives in the District Council.
Supervision and Implementation of laws, regulations and policies governing agriculture, irrigation.
Provision of extension services to farmers.
Preparation of agriculture, irrigation and cooperatives reports.
Preparation of Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives budgets.
Planning of agriculture, irrigation and cooperatives activities.
To ensure extension officers are technologically updated.
To prepare requirements of agricultural inputs.
Inspection and auditing of co operative societies.
Sensitizing co operatives among the community through village meetings
Promoting the establishment of new co operatives societies
Supervising co operative general and election meeting
