SAGCOT’s Strategic Intervention Ignites Clove Boom in Morogoro

Kilimokwanza.org Team

The picturesque Morogoro Region in Tanzania is currently witnessing a remarkable agricultural transformation, one that promises to reshape the global spice industry. Traditionally, when people thought of cloves, their minds would immediately drift to Zanzibar, a region steeped in centuries-old clove cultivation. However, thanks to the strategic interventions of the Southern Agricultural Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT), clove farming is now thriving in the heartland of Morogoro. In a twist of fate, Morogoro’s clove yields have not only caught up with but also surpassed those of the historic clove capital.

In the year 2022, the Morogoro Region made an impressive contribution of approximately 2,000 tonnes of cloves to Tanzania’s annual production. In comparison, Zanzibar, which has long been renowned for its illustrious history of clove production, managed to produce 4,000 tonnes of this aromatic spice. This revelation was officially confirmed by Dr. Musa Ally, the Morogoro Regional Administrative Secretary. The winds of change are sweeping across the region, with particular momentum in the Mvomero District. Here, farmers are being incentivized to delve into clove cultivation, leading to a substantial improvement in their disposable incomes. This shift marks a watershed moment in the agricultural landscape of the region.

At the national level, the strategic plan aims to expand clove cultivation to regions endowed with the ideal climate conditions and soil characteristics. Currently, all eyes are on Tanga, where farmers are being actively encouraged to embark on the clove cultivation journey. Expert meetings, facilitated by the “Promoters of Agriculture and Environment Protection Forums,” a collaborative initiative involving representatives from both public and private institutions and vigorously supported by SAGCOT, are providing invaluable guidance on how to motivate farmers to cultivate crops that are ideally suited to their respective regions. The overarching goal is to boost export-oriented production.

Geoffrey Kirenga, the CEO of SAGCOT, underscores the pivotal role of local spice cultivation in realizing Tanzania’s overarching objectives, including expanding exports, generating rural employment opportunities, and increasing farmers’ disposable incomes. Kirenga highlights the potential of horticultural crops, with cloves emerging as a prime example. The prices of cloves have surged to an impressive range of 14,000/- to 18,000/- per kilogram, showcasing the transformative impact that focused attention on this crop can have on farmers’ livelihoods.

Kirenga further observes that Zanzibar, with its rich century-old legacy of clove cultivation and trade, has been at the forefront of the global cloves market. However, the current strategy is centered around replicating this success on the Tanzanian mainland.

“Our pioneering clove growers are located in Morogoro and Tanga Regions. These regions have convincingly demonstrated that we are on the right trajectory, with both already outpacing Zanzibar in terms of clove production,” Kirenga asserts with confidence.

Earlier this year, Morogoro Region and SAGCOT jointly sponsored a study tour for 20 farmers, providing them with the opportunity to gain valuable insights and best practices in clove farming from Zanzibar.

The expansion of clove cultivation has extended to various parts of Morogoro Region, encompassing Morogoro Rural, Kilombero, Mlimba, and, most recently, the inclusion of Mvomero District. District Commissioner Judith Nguli has expressed unwavering commitment to galvanize local farmers to embrace clove cultivation as a means to alleviate poverty. “We are sparing no effort because this is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss,” Nguli passionately affirms.

John Banga, SAGCOT’s Morogoro Regional Manager, highlights that as part of the broader strategy, Morogoro Region has been designated for the cultivation of cereals and horticultural crops in addition to traditional cash crops. Over the past two months, an impressive 150,000 clove seedlings have been distributed, a testament to the convergence of multiple stakeholders dedicated to realizing this ambitious vision.

The burgeoning clove industry in Morogoro Region not only signifies a promising future for Tanzanian farmers but also represents a transformative development in the global spice arena. As Tanzania continues to strengthen its position as a key player in the clove industry, the implications extend far beyond its borders, with potential benefits for international markets, trade, and agricultural development. The emerging success story of clove cultivation in Morogoro Region exemplifies the power of strategic planning, agricultural innovation, and collaboration in reshaping the dynamics of an entire industry.

Clove cultivation on the Tanzanian mainland is the result of extensive research and advice from the Southern Agricultural Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT), an institution that actively engages stakeholders in the private sector to promote crop cultivation and value chain development.

In announcing the decision to include Tanga in the clove cultivation program, Geoffrey Kirenga, the CEO of SAGCOT, emphasized the importance of research that demonstrates the region’s potential for successful clove cultivation. Cloves are considered a high-value crop and play a crucial role in the spice and horticultural sector, which boasts stable and predictable global markets. Kirenga emphasized that embracing the opportunities presented by clove farming has the potential to uplift the economy of individual farmers and the nation as a whole.

“Spices, particularly cloves, have a stable and certain market. Currently, the indicative price for one kilogram of cloves ranges from 14,000 to 18,000 Tanzanian Shillings. These prices highlight the significant potential of this crop for small-scale farmers and its capacity to become a highly profitable commodity in the international market,” Kirenga stated during the forum.

He further noted that cloves are a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s economy, with a rich history of cultivation and well-established markets. However, the current strategy is focused on expanding the cultivation of cloves on the Tanzanian mainland.

“Our pioneering clove growers are located in Morogoro and Tanga Regions. These regions have convincingly demonstrated that we are on the right trajectory, with both already outpacing Zanzibar in terms of clove production,” Kirenga asserted with confidence.

To support this expansion, Morogoro Region and SAGCOT jointly sponsored a study tour earlier this year, sending 20 farmers to Zanzibar to learn valuable insights and best practices in clove farming.

The expansion of clove cultivation has not been limited to Morogoro Region alone. It has extended to various parts of the region, including Morogoro Rural, Kilombero, Mlimba, and the most recent addition, Mvomero District. Judith Nguli, the District Commissioner of Mvomero, emphasized the significance of including clove farming in their income enhancement strategy. She explained that clove cultivation offers numerous opportunities to farmers, and stakeholders are fully committed to supporting its expansion in their district.

“Our district has long struggled with low-yield agriculture. The introduction of strategic crops like cloves is poised to improve the lives of individual citizens significantly. We have received assurances that our land can successfully cultivate cloves if we adhere to expert guidance,” Nguli declared.

John Banga, SAGCOT’s Regional Manager in Morogoro, highlighted that as part of the broader strategy, Morogoro Region has been designated for the cultivation of cereals and horticultural crops in addition to traditional cash crops. Over the past two months, an impressive 150,000 clove seedlings have been distributed, signaling the commitment of multiple stakeholders to realize this ambitious vision. Clove farming, as envisioned in this approach, will also contribute to environmental preservation by reducing deforestation and tree cutting for charcoal production.

In conclusion, the burgeoning success of clove cultivation in Morogoro Region, Tanzania, signifies a transformative development in the global spice industry. As Tanzania takes giant strides towards becoming a major producer of cloves, the impact of this agricultural transformation extends far beyond national borders, promising benefits for international markets, trade, and agricultural development. The journey from being a clove novice to a powerhouse producer exemplifies the power of strategic planning, innovation, and collaboration in revolutionizing an entire industry.