Modern Irrigation in Tanzania: A Key to Sustainable Agriculture

Tanzania is making significant strides in modern irrigation systems to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security. The Umwagiliaji wa Kisasa Unawezekana! (Sehemu ya 06) session held on February 2, 2025, hosted by Agribusiness East Africa, shed light on the importance of advanced irrigation techniques and policies that can drive agricultural transformation in the country.

Revolutionizing Irrigation Practices

The session emphasized various irrigation technologies that can enhance productivity. Among the key systems discussed were:

• Drip Irrigation System: Highly efficient for vegetable farming and small-scale plots, allowing for significant water conservation.
• Sprinkler Irrigation: Ideal for large-scale crops such as maize and sugarcane, providing uniform water distribution.
• Center Pivot Irrigation: A growing trend in Tanzania, already adopted by large farms such as Kilombero Sugar and Kagira Sugar, which enables extensive and automated irrigation.
• Furrow Irrigation: Commonly used in rice farming, though experts stressed the need to shift towards the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) to optimize water use and increase yields.

The government is investing heavily in irrigation projects, with initiatives such as the Tanzania Sustainable Seed Production (TSPU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) project installing large-scale irrigation systems across different regions.

Policy and Investment Challenges

The session also highlighted significant challenges in Tanzania’s irrigation sector, particularly regarding policy and financing issues:

• Taxation on Irrigation Equipment: Stakeholders expressed concerns over the high taxes on imported irrigation materials, discouraging farmers from investing in modern systems.
• Limited Private Sector Involvement: Unlike countries such as India, where the government subsidizes up to 60% of irrigation investments, Tanzania lacks similar support, making it difficult for smallholder farmers to adopt advanced systems.
• High Cost of Well Drilling: Drilling boreholes in Tanzania can cost between TZS 150,000 to TZS 250,000 per meter, compared to India where it costs as low as TZS 12,000 per meter. This disparity limits access to water for irrigation, especially in arid regions.

The Way Forward

Industry leaders emphasized the need for regulatory reforms to reduce the cost of irrigation infrastructure. The proposed  Irrigation Association of Tanzania aims to advocate for standardizing irrigation installation practices and ensuring the quality of project implementation.

Moreover, SAGCOT’s Inclusive Green Growth (IGG) Tool was presented as a key framework to ensure environmentally sustainable agricultural investments. This tool guides farmers and investors to adopt irrigation practices that minimize environmental degradation while maximizing productivity.

Modern irrigation is no longer an option but necessary for Tanzania’s agricultural growth. By embracing efficient irrigation systems, reducing taxation barriers, and encouraging private sector investments, the country can unlock its full agricultural potential and enhance food security for future generations.