Crop Bioscience Solutions CEO Wilfred Mushobozi Champions Biotech and Sustainability in East Africa

By Juma Msafiri

Mr. Wilfred Mushobozi has emerged as a transformative figure in Tanzanian agriculture, particularly within the Arusha region, where his leadership continues to inspire change. As the Chief Executive Officer of Crop Bioscience Solutions, he is at the forefront of addressing the myriad challenges that impede agricultural productivity and food security in developing nations. Tanzania grapples with persistent issues such as food shortages, widespread rural poverty, rapid population growth, increasing urbanization, unemployment, recurring droughts, desertification, and devastating pest infestations. These interconnected problems highlight the critical need for innovative and sustainable solutions. Mr. Mushobozi has recognised this need and translated it into action, crafting practical and scalable strategies that directly benefit farmers. His unwavering commitment to creating a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector underscores his role as a true pioneer.

A Foundation of Expertise and Leadership

Mr. Mushobozi’s leadership in agriculture is rooted in a robust academic foundation. He holds a Master of Science in Agriculture, specializing in Crop Protection, complemented by a Diploma in Business Management Systems (BMS) . This unique blend of scientific expertise and business acumen has shaped his approach to tackling complex agricultural challenges. His deep understanding of crop protection equips him to combat threats like pests and diseases, while his business management skills enable him to lead and scale impactful agricultural initiatives effectively.

His career reflects a long-standing commitment to pest management and agricultural development. Early in his professional journey, Mr. Mushobozi served as a national Army Worm forecaster based in Arusha , where he gained critical experience in monitoring and managing one of East Africa’s most destructive agricultural pests. His association with Pest Control Services Tanzania further highlights his hands-on involvement in pest management. Additionally, his leadership roles in projects funded by organizations like USAID and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) demonstrate his capacity to manage large-scale agricultural development programs. This combination of scientific knowledge, business strategy, and practical experience uniquely positions him to drive agricultural innovation in Tanzania.

Pioneering Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture

In 2012, recognizing the pressing need for advanced agricultural solutions, Mr. Mushobozi founded Crop Bioscience Solutions Ltd., marking a significant milestone as one of Tanzania’s first commercial crop biotechnology companies. The company was established with a clear vision: to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential by leveraging biotechnology to address crop production’s key constraints.

Crop Bioscience Solutions specializes in the mass multiplication of disease-free, genetically true-to-type elite clones of vegetatively propagated crops, including staples like banana, cassava, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and coffee. Using advanced tissue culture techniques, the company provides high-quality planting materials, directly addressing the issue of low yields caused by diseased or inferior seeds. Beyond seed production, the company is deeply committed to research and development, collaborating with international agricultural biotechnology institutes and local universities to foster innovation and transfer cutting-edge technologies to the Eastern Africa region.

To modernize farming practices, Crop Bioscience Solutions operates a Farm Machinery Service Hub , offering mechanized solutions to smallholder farmers. This holistic approach—encompassing quality planting materials, research, and farm modernization—reflects a comprehensive strategy for agricultural development.

Impactful Projects Transforming Smallholder Farming

Under Mr. Mushobozi’s leadership, Crop Bioscience Solutions has implemented several impactful projects to improve crop productivity and farmer livelihoods. One notable initiative is the Northern Tanzania Potato Systems Improvement (NTPSI) project, undertaken in partnership with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) . This project focuses on enhancing potato productivity for smallholder farmer groups and improving their access to output markets.

Similarly, a collaborative project with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Selian Centre provided small-scale farmers with access to higher-yielding and nutritious bean cultivars. These initiatives exemplify the company’s commitment to delivering practical, scalable solutions that empower farmers and strengthen Tanzania’s agricultural value chains.

Revolutionizing Armyworm Management

The African armyworm is a persistent threat to agriculture in East Africa, capable of causing widespread devastation to cereal crops and pasture. Mr. Mushobozi has pioneered the development of sustainable strategies to manage this pest. Recognizing chemical insecticides’ environmental hazards and limitations, he has championed using Spodoptera exempt nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpexNPV) as a biological control agent. SpexNPV, a naturally occurring virus targeting armyworms, offers a safer and cost-effective alternative to chemical pesticides.

His research has demonstrated the effectiveness of SpexNPV in controlling armyworm outbreaks through both ground and aerial applications. Moreover, Mr. Mushobozi has explored the potential for local production of SpexNPV , making it more accessible and affordable for farmers. This shift towards biological control reflects his commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

Beyond direct intervention, Mr. Mushobozi has been instrumental in developing Community-Based Armyworm Forecasting (CBAF) initiatives. CBAF empowers local communities by training villagers to monitor armyworm moth traps and rainfall patterns, enabling them to predict outbreaks in their specific areas. This decentralized approach ensures timely warnings reach farmers, allowing for early intervention and minimizing crop damage. Trials have shown high forecasting accuracy, underscoring the effectiveness of this community-led strategy.

Contributions to Global Agricultural Research

Mr. Mushobozi’s contributions to understanding and managing armyworms extend to his co-authorship of research papers focusing on armyworm distribution modeling and control strategies . His work utilizes species distribution models to predict the African armyworm’s present and potential future spread, providing valuable insights for long-term pest management planning. These efforts highlight his dedication to advancing global knowledge and fostering collaboration in agricultural research.

Beyond his significant work on armyworms, Mr. Mushobozi, through Crop Bioscience Solutions, has substantially contributed to improving the production of other key crops in Tanzania. The company has played a crucial role in providing Tanzanian growers with disease-resistant banana varieties . This initiative addresses the devastating impact of diseases like banana wilt, helping to improve yields and the resilience of banana production, a vital crop for food security and income in the region. Furthermore, Crop Bioscience Solutions has been instrumental in boosting sweet potato production through the application of tissue culture technology . Field demonstrations have shown that this technology can lead to significantly higher yields for farmers in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, offering a solution to the low yields associated with traditional planting methods . The company’s activities also extend to seed multiplication for a variety of other important crops, including beans, potatoes, cassava, and vanilla . By ensuring the availability of high-quality planting materials for these diverse crops, Crop Bioscience Solutions contributes to overall agricultural productivity and food diversity. The company’s ongoing research and development collaborations, aimed at developing new agricultural technologies for the broader Eastern Africa region , underscore a continuous commitment to innovation and finding solutions to the evolving challenges in agriculture. The successful introduction of disease-resistant bananas and high-yielding sweet potato varieties through biotechnology demonstrates the tangible benefits of applying advanced scientific techniques to improve crop productivity and the livelihoods of Tanzanian farmers. The diversification of Crop Bioscience Solutions’ efforts across various crops and seed systems indicates a comprehensive approach to agricultural development, addressing multiple facets of crop production beyond just pest management.  

Mr. Mushobozi’s impact extends beyond his entrepreneurial and research endeavors into active community engagement and the fostering of crucial partnerships. He has collaborated with organizations like ECHO on initiatives such as sweet potato vine dissemination . This partnership aimed to improve nutrition at the household level by promoting the adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which are rich in essential vitamins . This demonstrates a commitment to addressing not only agricultural productivity but also the nutritional well-being of communities. The community-based approach inherent in the armyworm forecasting initiatives further highlights his dedication to empowering local populations with the knowledge and tools to manage agricultural challenges . By training village forecasters and utilizing local communication channels, these initiatives ensure that communities are at the forefront of protecting their crops. The partnerships established by Crop Bioscience Solutions with organizations like AGRA, CIAT, and TARI in specific projects underscore the importance he places on collaborative efforts to achieve agricultural development goals. His involvement with the Building a Better Tomorrow-YOUTH INITIATIVE FOR AGRIBUSINESS (BBT-YIA) reflects a focus on engaging the next generation in agriculture, recognizing the crucial role of youth in the future sustainability and growth of the sector. Furthermore, his participation in workshops and seminars, such as the one with ECHO staff on sweet potato vine dissemination , showcases his commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration within the broader agricultural community. His role as an agronomist and CEO of Crop Biosciences Solutions Ltd. during the mid-term evaluation of the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) project illustrates his engagement with academic and research institutions, further promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices in agriculture.  

Mr. Mushobozi’s vision for Tanzanian agriculture, articulated in his CEO message for Crop Bioscience Solutions, centers on the urgent need to modernize the sector to combat food insecurity and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers . He emphasizes the crucial role of biotechnology and innovative practices in unlocking Tanzania’s agricultural potential . He believes that Tanzania must embrace modern technologies such as high-yield seeds, mechanization, and effective post-harvest handling techniques to increase productivity and ensure food security . His commitment extends to facilitating the transfer of technology and supporting farmers in transitioning from subsistence farming to more profitable agribusiness models . This comprehensive vision encompasses not only the adoption of advanced technologies but also the empowerment of farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in a more commercialized agricultural system. His actions and the initiatives he has spearheaded strongly suggest his belief in the importance of continuous research, robust collaborations, and active community involvement as essential pillars for achieving sustainable agricultural development.  

Mr. Mushobozi has established himself as a driving force in Tanzanian agricultural innovation, particularly within the Arusha region. His multifaceted contributions as the CEO of Crop Bioscience Solutions, a pioneer in agricultural biotechnology in Tanzania, have had a significant impact on improving crop production and addressing the challenges of food insecurity. His dedication to providing high-quality planting materials through advanced tissue culture techniques, coupled with his long-standing efforts in promoting sustainable pest management practices, especially in the fight against armyworms, has empowered local farmers and enhanced agricultural resilience. Furthermore, his commitment to research, fostering collaborations with various organizations, and actively engaging with communities underscores his holistic approach to agricultural development. Mr. Mushobozi’s work serves as a compelling example of how local expertise, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of scientific advancements, can be effectively leveraged to address critical development challenges in Africa, paving the way for a more food-secure and prosperous future for Tanzania.

Crop Bioscience Solutions Ltd

Crop Bioscience Solutions Ltd stands as Tanzania’s first commercial crop biotechnology company, leveraging advanced bio-techniques for the mass multiplication of disease-free, genetically true-to-type elite clones of vegetatively propagated crops. These include staples such as banana, cassava, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and coffee, which are critical to food security and economic development in the region.

The company operates a state-of-the-art biotechnology laboratory located in Loovilikuny-Kisongo CMC, Arusha, along the Arusha-Babati Road. The facility is meticulously designed to support cutting-edge research and production, featuring specialized rooms such as a media preparation room, media storage room, inoculation room, culture transfer room, sterilization area, washing station, and a growth room equipped with automated temperature and humidity controls. Additionally, Crop Bioscience has developed hardening facilities and nurseries on a two-acre plot to ensure seamless adaptation and cultivation of the produced clones.

With an unwavering commitment to quality, Crop Bioscience Solutions delivers high-grade planting materials that are disease-free and true to their genetic type, empowering farmers with reliable solutions to boost yields and enhance agricultural productivity.