News that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will continue to support government efforts on land management is most refreshing.

UNDP's pledge to support the government in to overcome land degradation threat is in concord with the Kilimo Kwanza initiative, which aims to spur development through the empowering of farmers to increase productivity.

While land is key to success in agriculture, we don't often hear of initiatives to conserve it. Because of the little emphasis on its management, the degradation of this invaluable resource continues be a big problem.

Agricultural productivity has been dropping despite a consistent increase in farming activities. Tanzania's economy is largely agro-based, accounting for half the country's gross domestic product.

And then, agricultural products accounts for 85 per cent of the country's exports, while the sector contributes about 80 per cent of all the employment opportunities.

It is, therefore, apt that the country engages in long-term sustainable land and water management initiatives if it is to achieve faster development.

Tanzanian should wean herself off the Official Development Assistance (ODA) which is, in any case, bound decrease as donors begin to feel the global economic downturn pinch.

It is therefore important for the country to push for the financing of investments aimed maintaining ecological balance, especially water sources and wetlands.