Dr. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka is a Tanzanian Member of Parliament and Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlement in her country's government. Before becoming an MP, Tibaijuka held the post of executive director of the UN-Habitat at the UN offices in Nairobi, Kenya, making her the second highest ranking African woman in the UN system. ChinAfrica's James Musukuya recently interviewed this energetic and influential female role model. Excerpts of the interview follow:  

ChinAfrica: What was your major role as executive director of UN-Habitat?

Tibaijuka: Ultimately, we sought to address urban poverty, which is a cross-cutting and multifaceted undertaking. We did not embark on this in isolation since the UN-Habitat, like any other UN program, has many back-and-forth linkages with other UN agencies, governments, local authorities, civil society organizations, the private sector, communities and professionals. Our decisions were implemented through partnerships. For example, with financial institutions such as Kenya's Housing and Finance Corp., we looked to boost access to affordable finance.

What are some of the achievements scored under your tenure at the UN-Habitat?

In a seemingly endless list of achievements under my tenure, I beg to sample the UN-Habitat's transition into a fully fledged UN program.

At the country-to-country level, activities spiraled upward in all parts of the world, a sure indication that governments were taking steps to address urbanization. Conceivably, projects such as slum upgrading were moving on well in the region and a shining example is the upgrading of the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

Indeed, from the days when we were a more-or-less technical entity that served other UN agencies, UN-Habitat is now a convenor of large meetings and forums where ideas on urban development are shared.

What does the continuing urbanization trend mean for East Africa?

It means that with more and more people opting to settle in urban areas, and especially the East Africa's cities of Nairobi (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Kampala (Uganda), we are experiencing what can be referred to as the urban era.

Simply put, the rise in urban settlements poses a challenge in that most of the inhabitants of the cities and towns live in slums and squalid conditions.

Sub-Saharan Africa (where East Africa is located) accounts for over 60 percent of the slum dwellers. In essence therefore, urbanization is a major challenge not only for governments in the region, but for all well meaning organizations and the people.

Having studied agricultural science, what is your analysis of agriculture in East Africa?

Perhaps for the uninformed, after my orientation in agriculture at Uppsalla (Sweden), I came back home and lectured [on the subject] at Dar es Salaam University, before later assuming duties at the UN.

Besides poor farming techniques, road infrastructure is a major problem and the little food harvested usually goes wasted as it cannot be conveniently and quickly transported to the market, [neither] are there proper storage facilities. This trend and other problems like lack of credit and other agricultural support services such as improved seeds, fertilizers and pesticides discourage farmers from engaging in meaningful agriculture.

As an advocate for women rights how do you feel women are regarded in leadership roles in Tanzania and what is your role in uplifting women's welfare?

Thanks to my party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), at least women's rights and welfare in Tanzania have been considered. The party has been actively promoting the 50–50 ideal in its election manifesto and campaigns. President Jakaya Kikwete, as party chairman, has particularly been very active in this regard and history will recognize him for this bold step to promote and support women's leadership.

You spent many years working in Kenya for the UN. Do you miss your time there?

Well, Kenya remains my second home; not just because we are in East Africa but also for the fact that I have carved friendships with many Kenyans during my long stint in Kenya working in Nairobi, where the UN offices are based.

Do you have any message for the youth of East Africa?

The youth are a major asset of any country as the country's future survival depends on the youth. That 60 percent of our populations are below 30 years is obvious, and my message to every young person is to nurture his or her talent, as soon we shall be looking upon them.