The Nane Nane Spectacle: Kilimo Kwanza!

Nane Nane (Eight Eight) is a national showcase of agricultural wonderment. While a mainstay party in the capital of Dodoma and Morogoro region, another region is highlighted each year.

Mbeya certainly put on a show!


And people came in droves!

The Prime Minister was supposed to arrive at 9AM; he decided to enter at 11:30AM -- and after 50 minutes of introductions, thank-yous, singing, and general microphone chaos, he got started. He talked for an hour! I asked Deo what he was really saying...after listening particularly intently for a few more minutes, Deo said "He is praising agriculture and wants to do more for Tanzanian farmers." Simple enough, not sure that needed an hour, but it was the honor of the day for many.


Nice job, Pepsi, with the ad space!

However, after the politician glad-handing was over, the district officials returned to their individual buildings where local staff displayed grains, vegetables, crafts, etc. made in their district.


A special area for mbogas na matundas (vegetables and fruits), featuring the crowd favorite: mparachichi - the avocado!

I had a chance to speak with district officials that would have otherwise not been possible -- or required more road miles for scant information -- this was a very efficient way to collect information! The small city of Mbeya was overwhelmed with people traveling far on the daladalas; navigating our exit by car was worse than leaving the Houston rodeo, but it was a very good day to celebrate Tanzania!