Positioning Tanzania as a Global Mango Leader: Insights from a Twitter Spaces Discussion

Dar es Salaam, December 11, 2024 – The potential for Tanzania to emerge as a global leader in mango production and processing was the focus of a dynamic Twitter Spaces discussion hosted by Agribusiness East Africa on December 8, 2024. Moderated by SAGCOT CEO Geoffrey Kirenga and Prof. Andrew Temu, the session brought together agricultural experts, policymakers, and farmers to explore opportunities, address challenges, and envision a roadmap for elevating Tanzania’s mango industry to international prominence.

The discussion covered a range of critical themes, including agronomic practices, soil health, pest management, value addition, and the competitive dynamics of the global mango market. With an audience of both seasoned professionals and curious farmers, the session highlighted shared ambitions and innovative strategies for transformation.

Tanzania’s Mango Industry: Enormous Potential, Significant Challenges

Geoffrey Kirenga opened the discussion with an overview of the global mango market. “The mango business is enormous,” he began, “accounting for billions of dollars annually. Countries like India, Malaysia, and those in Latin America dominate production, but Tanzania ranks 12th globally—a significant achievement.”

Kirenga pointed to the widespread cultivation of mangoes in Tanzania, particularly in regions like Tanga, Tabora, Morogoro, and the Coastal Zone. However, he acknowledged the challenges facing the sector.

“Access to high-quality planting materials remains a major issue,” he explained. “Many farmers rely on seeds of uncertain quality, which undermines productivity. Moreover, urbanization is encroaching on prime agricultural land, especially near cities like Dar es Salaam, where urban developments have replaced fertile mango-growing areas.”

Kirenga also emphasized the potential for value addition. “Mangoes are more than just a fresh fruit. There’s untapped potential in processing mangoes into juice, chutney, and even oil extracted from the seed kernel,” he said. “This oil, for instance, is highly valuable and used in cosmetics and industrial applications. Even mango peels can be processed into vegan leather, catering to niche international markets.”

Challenges in Soil Health and Agronomic Practices

Dr. Salumu Diwani, a prominent mango farmer, delved into the critical role of soil health in mango cultivation. “Declining yields are a serious concern,” he noted. “Farmers often focus on pest control or pruning, but the real issue lies in the soil. Microelements like zinc, boron, and magnesium are frequently deficient in our soils, and their absence directly impacts flowering and fruit development.”

Dr. Diwani highlighted the need for advanced soil testing facilities in Tanzania. “Our current soil testing stations only measure macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium,” he explained. “But micronutrients are just as important. Farmers are effectively working in the dark without knowing the levels of elements like boron or zinc.”

Comparing Tanzania’s practices to those of Israel, Dr. Diwani said, “In Israel, farmers analyze their soil and plant tissue before every season. This allows them to correct nutrient deficiencies with precision. We need to adopt a similar approach if we want to boost yields.”

Dr. Diwani also emphasized agronomic practices like pruning and fertilization. “Proper pruning techniques and targeted fertilization can make a huge difference. Unfortunately, these practices are not widely adopted in Tanzania. Research and farmer training in basic agronomy are essential for achieving better outcomes,” he said.

Insights from Regional and Global Competitors

Jitu Son Patel, former MP for Babati Vijijini and a seasoned mango farmer, offered valuable insights into regional and global competition. “India is not only one of the largest producers but also one of the largest consumers of mangoes,” he said. “This dual role gives India a unique advantage in sustaining its mango industry. In Tanzania, we must focus on production and creating strong domestic and export markets.”

Patel also pointed to Malawi as a case study. “Malawi has large mango plantations and modern processing facilities. Their success is partly due to their unique seasonality. Malawi’s mango harvest coincides with off-seasons in many global markets, giving them a competitive edge. Tanzania can learn from this model and better position itself in international markets,” he said.

Patel emphasized the urgent need for processing infrastructure. “Unlike Malawi, Tanzania lacks large-scale processing plants. This is a missed opportunity, especially given the potential for producing high-value products like mango pulp, dried mangoes, and mango oil,” he added.

Managing Pests and Securing Yields

Pest control emerged as another critical topic, with fruit flies identified as a major threat to mango production. “Fruit flies are a serious problem,” said Kirenga. “They can devastate yields, reducing the number of marketable fruits significantly. Integrated pest management systems are urgently needed to address this challenge.”

Fatma Riami, an expert in value addition, echoed these concerns. “Post-harvest losses due to pests and poor handling are staggering,” she said. “But with proper training and tools, farmers can significantly reduce these losses and improve the quality of their produce for export markets.”

Unlocking the Potential of Value Addition

Riami highlighted the importance of investing in mango processing to unlock the crop’s full potential. “Value addition is key to making mango farming profitable,” she said. “Processed mango products like juices, chutneys, and oils not only have longer shelf lives but also fetch higher prices in both domestic and international markets.”

She also pointed to the growing demand for niche products like vegan leather made from mango peels. “This is a high-value market that Tanzania can tap into, provided we invest in the right technology and marketing strategies,” she added.

Learning from West Africa

Hamadi Mkopi, a farmer and agricultural consultant, shared his observations from visiting mango farms in West Africa. “Countries like Senegal and Burkina Faso have adopted innovative practices to maximize yields and improve quality,” he said. “Their focus on traditional mango varieties, coupled with modern farming techniques, has allowed them to carve out a niche in European markets.”

Mkopi emphasized the importance of identifying and promoting Tanzania’s unique mango varieties. “Regions like Tabora and Tanga have indigenous mangoes with exceptional flavors. These varieties can be marketed as premium products in high-value markets,” he suggested.

Charting the Way Forward

The discussion concluded with a consensus on the steps needed to transform Tanzania’s mango industry:

1. Strengthening Research and Development
   • Invest in agronomic research to improve mango yields and quality.
   • Develop better soil testing facilities to address micronutrient deficiencies.
2. Expanding Processing Infrastructure
   • Establish large-scale mango processing plants to reduce post-harvest losses and create value-added products.
3. Providing Farmer Training
   • Offer training on advanced agronomic practices, including pruning, fertilization, and pest management.
   • Equip farmers with the knowledge to adopt modern technologies and practices.
4. Addressing Pest Management
   • Implement integrated pest management systems to control fruit flies and other threats.
   • Encourage the use of eco-friendly pesticides and biological controls.
5. Enhancing Market Access
   • Promote Tanzania’s unique mango varieties as premium products in international markets.
   • Foster partnerships with global buyers and processors to boost exports.

A Shared Vision for Success

As the session drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of optimism among participants. “Mango farming is more than just agriculture,” said Kirenga. “It’s about creating jobs, boosting exports, and ensuring food security. With the right investments and strategies, Tanzania can become a global leader in the mango industry.”

Jitu Son Patel agreed, adding, “The potential is there. What we need now is collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to long-term growth.”

Dr. Diwani concluded with a call to action: “We cannot afford to lag behind. The time to invest in our mango sector is now. With the right approach, we can achieve remarkable results and set an example for other African countries.” The Twitter Spaces discussion served as a powerful reminder of Tanzania’s potential in the global mango market. By addressing key challenges and leveraging opportunities, the country can transform its mango industry into a cornerstone of economic growth and agricultural sustainability.

Through collaboration among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and investors, Tanzania’s mango sector can achieve its full potential, delivering prosperity to millions and establishing the country as a global powerhouse in mango production and processing.