TZSoya Part 4. Boosting Yields: Potential and Challenges in Soya Production

Introduction

Soya (soybean) production in Tanzania holds significant potential for increasing agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. The Tanzania Sustainable Soybean Initiative (TSSI) Baseline Report provides detailed insights into current productivity levels, regional yield comparisons, and the strategies needed to enhance soya yields to match global standards. This article examines the potential for boosting soya yields in Tanzania, the challenges farmers face, and the opportunities for achieving higher productivity.

Current Productivity Levels

The TSSI Baseline Report indicates that the average soybean yield in Tanzania’s TSSI target regions is 0.721 tonnes per hectare. This figure is consistent with the national average of 0.8 tonnes per hectare. However, there is significant variation in yields across different regions:

• Mbeya: 0.912 tonnes per hectare
• Iringa: 0.854 tonnes per hectare
• Songwe: 0.812 tonnes per hectare

These regions demonstrate higher productivity, suggesting that targeted interventions and best practices can lead to substantial yield improvements.

Global Comparison

Despite the progress in certain regions, Tanzania’s soya yields remain below the global average yield of 2.814 tonnes per hectare. Bridging this gap presents an opportunity to triple productivity and align Tanzania’s soya production with global standards.

Key Factors Influencing Yields

Several factors influence soya yields in Tanzania, including seed quality, agronomic practices, and technological adoption:

• Seed Quality: The use of improved seed varieties is a critical determinant of yield. The report highlights that 77% of farmers use improved seed varieties, with Uyole 4 being the most dominant. These improved varieties are more resistant to pests and diseases and have better yield potential.
• Fertilizer Application: Fertilizer use is another important factor. About 22% of farmers apply fertilizers, resulting in higher yields compared to farms without fertilizer use. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients that enhance plant growth and productivity.
• Intercropping Practices: Tanzanian farmers commonly intercrop soya with other crops like maize and sunflowers. Research suggests that intercropping with sunflowers, in particular, can enhance yields by improving soil health and reducing pest pressure.

Challenges to Increasing Yields

Despite the potential for boosting soya yields, several challenges need to be addressed:

• Access to Quality Seeds: Ensuring the availability and accessibility of certified, high-quality seeds is a significant challenge. Farmers often face difficulties in obtaining these seeds, which impacts yield potential.
• Soil Fertility and Management: Soil fertility is a critical factor in achieving high yields. Poor soil management practices can lead to soil degradation and reduced productivity. Promoting sustainable soil management techniques is essential.
• Climate Variability: Irregular rainfall and extreme weather events pose significant risks to soya production. Developing climate-resilient farming practices and drought-tolerant crop varieties can mitigate these risks.
• Extension Services: Limited access to extension services hampers the dissemination of best practices and new technologies. Strengthening extension services to provide farmers with the latest knowledge and techniques is crucial for improving yields.

Opportunities for Boosting Yields

To unlock the full potential of soya production in Tanzania, several strategies can be implemented:

1. Enhancing Seed Quality: Increasing the availability of certified, high-quality seeds through robust seed multiplication and distribution systems is essential. Investing in research and development of improved seed varieties adapted to local conditions can also boost yields.
2. Promoting Fertilizer Use: Encouraging the use of fertilizers through subsidies, training, and awareness programs can improve soil fertility and plant nutrition. Farmers should be educated on the appropriate types and amounts of fertilizers to use for optimal results.
3. Adopting Climate-Smart Practices: Implementing climate-smart agriculture practices, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, can enhance resilience and productivity. Developing and promoting drought-tolerant soya varieties can also mitigate the impact of climate variability.
4. Strengthening Extension Services: Expanding and improving extension services to provide training on advanced agronomic practices and new technologies is vital. Extension agents can play a key role in educating farmers on best practices for maximizing yields.
5. Facilitating Access to Finance: Improving access to financial services can enable farmers to invest in necessary inputs and technologies. Developing tailored financial products and promoting contract farming arrangements can support farmers in enhancing their productivity.

Conclusion

Boosting soya yields in Tanzania is both a significant challenge and a promising opportunity. By addressing key factors such as seed quality, soil fertility, and climate resilience, and by strengthening extension services and financial support, Tanzania can significantly enhance its soya productivity. The potential to align Tanzania’s soya yields with global standards offers substantial benefits for farmers and the broader economy.

The next articles in this series will explore additional aspects of soya production, including financial and extension services, key challenges in the sector, and policy recommendations to support the growth and sustainability of the soya sector in Tanzania.

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Source:

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