African Agriculture and Food Systems
A report published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in February 2024, titled “Global Market Report: Soybean Prices and Sustainability,” delves into the complex landscape of the soybean industry. Soybeans, often called the “king of beans,” are pivotal in global agriculture due to their versatility and nutritional benefits. Originating in central China around […]
Date: April 14, 2024 Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO of the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) Centre, has brought attention to the striking price of Tanzanian avocados in international markets. On April 13, 2024, Middle Eastern (ME) avocados weighing 0.66 kg were sold for £2.00 at Marks & Spencer in the UK, approximately TShs 990/- […]
This KILIMOKWANZA.ORG report provides a comprehensive analysis of the “spinach” value chain in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It begins by deconstructing the term “spinach,” revealing a complex agricultural niche occupied by an introduced species—Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), the dominant commercial “spinach” 1—and several African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs), principally Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), known as […]
Section 1: Executive Summary The landscape of Value Chain Finance (VCF) in Kenya represents one of the most dynamic and pivotal arenas for economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. With an estimated market size for supply chain finance reaching approximately KES 2.8 trillion ($24.8 billion), the sector is not merely a niche financial offering but a […]
Executive Summary Groundnuts, a high-value legume crop, are fundamental to food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods globally, particularly across Africa. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the groundnut value chain, detailing its stages, key actors, and specific dynamics within African nations, alongside an examination of the global market for value-added products such as peanut […]
Dar es Salaam, July 19, 2025 – Tanzania’s spice industry, a vital contributor to the nation’s agricultural exports, is grappling with a severe crisis that could see its organic spice exports to Europe plummet. According to recent reports from Control Union, a leading global certification body, no Tanzanian company has achieved organic certification for spices, […]
Dodoma, Tanzania – June 24, 2025 – Tanzania is poised for a significant boom in its pyrethrum industry, with government officials and stakeholders urging farmers to embrace efficient cultivation practices to capitalize on growing market demand and rising prices. This call to action came during the 15th General Meeting of Pyrethrum Stakeholders, held at the […]
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | — In a significant leap forward for Tanzania’s agricultural sector, MazaoHub Precision Agriculture, co-founded by innovator Geophrey Tenganamba , has officially launched its groundbreaking initiative: “Agiza Mazao” – a digital platform that connects businesses and consumers directly with verified farmers across the country. The new service promises to revolutionise how […]
KILIMOKWANZA.ORG TEAM This report provides a comparative analysis of the engagement of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda with global carbon markets, examining the roles of communities, governments, and private actors. It highlights successes, challenges, regulatory gaps, and opportunities for fostering inclusive and sustainable carbon business models across these East African nations. Kenya has rapidly developed a […]
Kilimokwanza.org Team Executive Summary Agricultural lime (aglime) presents a transformative opportunity for Tanzanian agriculture, a sector grappling with widespread soil acidity that significantly curtails crop productivity and national food security. Extensive geological resources of limestone and dolomite, the raw materials for aglime, are distributed across the country, offering substantial potential for local production. Currently, dedicated […]
By JUMA MSAFIRINAIROBI/DODOMA Cross-border demand surges amid millers’ scramble for grain and government efforts to ease price pressure Tanzania has become Kenya’s unexpected saviour in the wake of soaring maize flour prices, as Kenyan millers intensify cross-border sourcing in response to thinning local grain stocks. With fortified maize flour prices hitting a 14-month high in […]
Kenya’s macadamia and avocado industries, once celebrated for their robust contributions to the nation’s economy, are currently navigating turbulent waters due to recent government policy changes and evolving global market dynamics. These developments have sparked widespread concern among farmers, exporters, and industry stakeholders, who fear the long-term implications for their livelihoods and Kenya’s standing in […]
Once a relatively overlooked fruit in Tanzania’s agricultural basket, the avocado has risen to become a leading export commodity, reshaping the country’s economic landscape, empowering smallholder farmers, and positioning Tanzania as a serious contender in the global “green gold” market. Driven by explosive growth in global demand, climate suitability, and strategic policy support, Tanzania’s avocado […]
Kilimokwaza.org I. Executive Summary The avocado sector in Kenya has emerged as a significant contributor to the national economy, demonstrating substantial growth and potential for further expansion. This guide is a comprehensive resource for farmers, potential investors, and government officials seeking to understand and engage with avocado farming in Kenya. It covers the entire value […]
Ruvuma, Tanzania – September 28, 2024In a decisive move aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to introduce reforms that will simplify farmer payments and enhance market access. The President announced these changes during her visit to Ruvuma, where she addressed farmers and local leaders at […]
Dar es Salaam Norges Vel is gearing up to host a pivotal Rice Stakeholder Dialogue Meeting on September 24th, 2024, at the United Nations Tanzania. The focus of the event is to address significant challenges in Tanzania’s rice market, bringing together key industry experts, farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss how to create a […]
Dodoma, Tanzania – In a visionary effort to bolster its agricultural sector, Tanzania has launched a comprehensive initiative to engage various stakeholders, including financial institutions, private sector partners, and international donors. This initiative aims to improve market access, increase financial support for farmers, and foster collaboration across the agricultural value chain. By working together, the […]
Introduction The demand for soya (soybeans) and its products is increasing rapidly in Tanzania, driven by various economic and social factors. The Tanzania Sustainable Soybean Initiative (TSSI) Baseline Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market dynamics influencing soya production and consumption in the country. This article explores the growing demand for soya, its domestic […]
In 2024/5 budget speech delivered by Hon. Abdallah Hamis Ulega (MP), Minister of Livestock and Fisheries,, improving market access for livestock products was highlighted as a key priority for the government. Market access is crucial for ensuring that livestock farmers can sell their products at fair prices, thereby enhancing their incomes and overall profitability. The […]
Date: May 9, 2024 In a groundbreaking move aimed at transforming agricultural trade in Tanzania, the first-ever sesame seed auction was conducted using the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), a transparent trading platform that allows farmers to witness real-time bidding by buyers. The event, held in the Songwe region, saw sesame prices reach a high of […]