Analysis of the Existing Legal Framework and Sustainability of the Building a Better Tomorrow – Youth Initiative for Agribusiness (BBT-YIA) Programme in Tanzania

The Government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has launched the Building a Better Tomorrow - Youth Initiative for Agribusiness (BBT-YIA) programme, which aims to transform agriculture into a business and create over 1.5 million jobs for youth and women by the year 2030. However, little is known about the existing environment for the programme's sustainability. This study uses primary and secondary information to assess the adequacy of the existing legal framework in Tanzania for sustainable implementation of the BBT-YIA programme. Primary data were collected through key informant interviews, physical observations, and official interviews. Official interviews were held with personnel responsible for the BBT-YIA programme in the Ministry of Agriculture. Secondary data were collected through a review of various electronic and hard copy documents including published articles on youth empowerment. The findings show that the existing legal framework in Tanzania provides inadequate support for the sustainability of the BBT-YIA programme. Only national and international development plans were found to be well aligned with the BBT-YIA. Sustainable land and financial allocation, wider agricultural impact, positive youth economic growth, and structured implementation plans were found to lack specific legal backing. To this end, the study recommends instituting training and mentorship programmes, access to land and resources, market access and support services, research and innovation, environmental stewardship, and monitoring and evaluation.