The Institute of Agriculture was formed in 2003 as a department of Tumaini University-Iringa, Tanzania.  The primary rational in forming the Institute of Agriculture was to help address a food production shortage in the Iringa region.

The region’s population is approximately 1 million with 88% of the population being farmers or peasants.  The current food production is approximately 75% of the region’s needs.

The primary reasons for the production shortages include:

• Poor growing practices
• Depleted soil nutrients and soil structure lacking in humus.
• Inadequate rainfall requiring improved water harvesting
• Poor storage practices
• Limited added value practices

Tumaini University

The Institute of Agriculture is governed by the Tumaini University Board under the leadership of Bishop Mdegella.

Tumaini University-Iringa was founded in 1995 as a Lutheran Bible College. In 1998 Tumaini University was accredited by the Tanzanian government.  It currently offers 3-year degrees in arts, business, economics, journalism, law, math education, cultural anthropology and tourism, community development, counseling, and social science. In addition, a bachelor of divinity and a diploma in theology are offered.

Tumaini has a student body of 2,100 and a facility of 66 fulltime and 16 part-time. It is governed by the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania under the leadership of Bishop Mdegella and Provost Bangu.

Significant funding and ongoing support for Tumaini University has been provided by the St. Paul Area ELCA Synod, St. Paul, Minnesota.  The St. Paul Area Synod also has had a companion relationship with the Iringa Diocese parishes since 1987.

Institute of Agriculture Assets and Capacity

Primary Institute of Agriculture assets include:

• Tumaini University’s ability to assist in delivery of short courses to train pastors, farmers, and students.
• The Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania includes 100 pastors and approximately 600 local parishes and preaching points interested in assisting with agricultural information transfer. The pastors are educated and respected village leaders.
• Three unique farms controlled by Tumaini University