TZSoya Part 7. Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles in Soya Farming

Soya (soybean) farming in Tanzania faces several challenges that impact productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The Tanzania Sustainable Soybean Initiative (TSSI) Baseline Report identifies the major obstacles hindering the growth of the soya sector and provides insights into the experiences of farmers. This article delves into the key challenges faced by soya farmers in Tanzania and explores potential solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Key Challenges in Soya Farming

1. Market Reliability
   • Unreliable Markets: 43% of farmers cite the lack of reliable markets as a major challenge. Unreliable markets lead to price volatility and uncertain income for farmers, making it difficult for them to plan and invest in their farms.
   • Middlemen Dominance: The dominance of middlemen in the soya market often results in farmers receiving lower prices for their produce. Middlemen purchase directly from farmers at lower rates and sell at higher prices, reducing farmers’ profits.
2. Seed Quality
   • Access to Quality Seeds: 23% of farmers report difficulties in obtaining high-quality seeds. The availability of certified, high-quality seeds is crucial for achieving higher yields and better crop quality.
   • Seed Distribution: Inefficient seed distribution networks hinder farmers’ access to improved seed varieties, impacting their productivity and income.
3. Climate Variability
   • Irregular Rainfall: Climate variability, including irregular rainfall and extreme weather events, poses significant risks to soya production. Unpredictable weather patterns can lead to crop failures and reduced yields.
   • Drought Conditions: Drought conditions exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers, making it difficult to sustain crop growth and productivity.
4. Financial Services
   • Limited Access to Credit: Approximately 90% of farmers reported having no access to financial services to support their soybean farm activities. This lack of access prevents them from investing in necessary inputs and technologies.
   • High Interest Rates: High interest rates and stringent collateral requirements are major barriers that prevent farmers from obtaining credit and other financial services.
5. Extension Services
   • Inadequate Extension Support: Limited access to extension services hampers the dissemination of knowledge, best practices, and new technologies to farmers. Insufficient numbers of extension agents and inadequate infrastructure affect the reach and effectiveness of extension services.
   • Training and Capacity Building: Farmers require training and capacity building to adopt advanced agronomic practices and improve their productivity. Inadequate training programs limit their ability to implement new techniques effectively.

Potential Solutions to Overcome Challenges

1. Enhancing Market Reliability
   • Market Information Systems: Establishing robust market information systems can help farmers stay informed about current prices, demand trends, and potential buyers. Improved market transparency can enhance farmers’ bargaining power and income stability.
   • Strengthening Cooperatives: Encouraging farmers to form cooperatives can help them pool resources, access better market opportunities, and negotiate better prices. Cooperatives can also facilitate collective marketing efforts and reduce the influence of middlemen.
2. Improving Seed Quality and Distribution
   • Seed Multiplication and Certification: Investing in seed multiplication and certification programs can ensure the availability of high-quality seeds. Promoting the use of certified seeds can enhance yields and crop quality.
   • Efficient Distribution Networks: Developing efficient seed distribution networks can improve farmers’ access to improved seed varieties. Partnerships with private sector seed companies can facilitate this process.
3. Adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture
   • Drought-Tolerant Varieties: Developing and promoting drought-tolerant soya varieties can mitigate the impact of climate variability. Research and development efforts should focus on breeding resilient crop varieties.
   • Climate-Smart Practices: Implementing climate-smart agriculture practices, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, can enhance resilience and productivity. Training farmers on these practices is crucial for their successful adoption.
4. Increasing Access to Financial Services
   • Tailored Financial Products: Creating financial products specifically designed for smallholder farmers, such as low-interest loans, microcredit, and crop insurance, can improve access to credit. Financial institutions should develop products that address the unique needs of farmers.
   • Promoting Contract Farming: Facilitating contract farming arrangements can provide farmers with access to credit, inputs, and guaranteed markets. Contract farming can reduce financial risks and ensure stable incomes for farmers.
5. Strengthening Extension Services
   • Expanding Extension Coverage: Recruiting and training more extension agents can ensure wider coverage and more personalized support for farmers. Extension services should be adequately funded and equipped to reach remote areas.
   • Leveraging Digital Tools: Utilizing mobile applications and digital platforms can provide farmers with real-time information, training, and support. Digital tools can bridge the gap between farmers and extension services, improving knowledge dissemination.

Navigating the challenges in soya farming requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses market reliability, seed quality, climate variability, financial access, and extension support. By implementing targeted interventions and promoting sustainable practices, Tanzania can overcome these obstacles and enhance the productivity and profitability of the soya sector. Strategic investments in market development, seed distribution, climate resilience, financial services, and extension support will be crucial for the sustainable growth of soya farming in Tanzania.

The next articles in this series will explore additional critical aspects of soya production, including policy recommendations and the future prospects of the soya sector in Tanzania.

Source:

Tanzania Sustainable Soybean Initiative. (2023). Baseline Report of the Tanzanian Soybean Sub-Sector. Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT).