Kilimokwanza.org Reporter

On June 17, 2024, SAGCOT CEO Geoffrey Kirenga (@GeoffreyK) reported a transformative moment for Tanzanian agriculture: the Ruvuma region celebrated its first major potato harvest, achieving a groundbreaking yield of 20 metric tons per acre. This remarkable milestone represents one of the highest yields ever recorded in East Africa, setting a precedent for agricultural excellence across the continent.

“Transforming African food systems opens new opportunities! The Ruvuma region celebrates its first potato crop, with yields among the highest in East Africa at 20 mt/acre! Lead farmer Mr. Kandidus Komba from Liganga Village is all smiles!” tweeted Kirenga. His post, accompanied by a video of jubilant farmers celebrating the harvest, highlighted lead farmer Mr. Komba’s pivotal role in this success story.

The achievement drew international attention. On July 29, Veerendra Kumar Rawat (@veerendrakumarr), a Senior General Manager at SORWATHE LTD with over 30 years of experience in agricultural development across India and Rwanda, responded to Kirenga’s announcement with praise:
“This is phenomenal, far more than global average—even the highest!”

Rawat’s observation underscores the extraordinary nature of this achievement. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global average potato yield in 2021 was approximately 21 tonnes per hectare (equivalent to 8.5 metric tons per acre). Ruvuma’s astonishing 20 metric tons per acre yield surpasses this benchmark and highlights the region’s potential to contribute meaningfully to food security and economic development.

---

How Ruvuma Achieved Record Potato Yields

The success in Ruvuma did not happen overnight. It results from years of strategic planning, scientific research, and community engagement spearheaded by SAGCOT.

Strategic Soil Assessment and Demonstration Farms

To identify Ruvuma’s suitability for round potato farming, SAGCOT conducted rigorous soil assessments in the Songea, Namtumbo, and Madaba districts. These studies identified key agro-ecological zones with ideal soil and climate conditions for potato cultivation. Demonstration farms were then established to introduce best practices, high-yield seed varieties, and sustainable farming techniques to local farmers.

Economic Viability of Potatoes

Between 2020 and 2024, SAGCOT-supported initiatives in Songea District demonstrated the economic viability of round potato farming. A single acre of potato farming could yield an income of over TZS 10 million, driven by high yields of up to 200 bags per acre. Songea Municipality Mayor Michael Mbano praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to create jobs, boost household incomes, and drive rural development.

Key Factors in Ruvuma’s Success:

• Improved Seed Varieties: Farmers adopted disease-resistant and high-yield seed varieties, enhancing productivity and reducing losses.
• Training and Capacity Building: SAGCOT and local agricultural councils provided training on modern planting techniques, pest management, and efficient irrigation methods.
• Market Linkages: Farmers were connected to urban and regional markets, ensuring a ready demand for their harvests.
• Community Engagement: Lead farmers like Mr. Kandidus Komba acted as ambassadors, inspiring others to adopt new practices.

---

The Future of Potato Farming in Tanzania

Potatoes: A Versatile Crop for Food Security and Income

Potatoes are increasingly recognized as a transformative crop in Tanzania’s agricultural landscape. According to a global report titled The Potato of the Future: Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainable Agri-food Systems, potatoes hold immense potential for addressing food security, income generation, and sustainable agriculture, especially in developing nations like Tanzania.

The report reveals that Tanzania’s potato supply nearly tripled between 2000 and 2014, reflecting the crop’s growing importance as both a staple food and a cash crop. In highland regions, potatoes thrive due to favorable climatic conditions, while urban areas are driving demand for processed potato products such as chips and French fries.

High Potential, Yet Room for Improvement

Despite the remarkable growth, potato farming in Tanzania faces challenges that limit its full potential. Average yields in many regions remain at 5–10 tons per hectare—significantly below the 20–40 tons per hectare achievable under optimized systems. Major obstacles include:

• Limited Access to Quality Seeds: Farmers often rely on low-quality or recycled seeds, which are more susceptible to disease and yield lower harvests.
• Inadequate Pest and Disease Management: Common threats like late blight disease remain a persistent problem due to insufficient pest control measures.
• Suboptimal Farming Practices: A lack of training and access to modern agricultural tools constrains productivity.

Bridging the Yield Gap

Experts emphasize the importance of sustainable intensification—boosting productivity on existing farmland rather than expanding cultivation into new areas. This approach focuses on:

• Improved Resource Management: Efficient use of water, fertilizer, and soil amendments to maximize yields sustainably.
• Gender Inclusion: Bridging gender disparities in access to land, inputs, and markets can significantly increase overall productivity. According to the report, women farmers in Tanzania often achieve lower yields due to unequal access to resources, underscoring the need for inclusive agricultural policies.

Scaling Up Success

To replicate Ruvuma’s success across Tanzania, key interventions include:

1. Investments in Research and Development: Scaling up research to develop region-specific seed varieties and pest management solutions.
2. Expansion of Demonstration Farms: Establishing more training centers to reach farmers in underserved regions.
3. Strengthening Market Linkages: Enhancing access to local and export markets through improved infrastructure and trade policies.
4. Policy Support: Aligning national agricultural policies with global best practices to ensure long-term sustainability.

---

A Role Model for African Agriculture

The achievements in Ruvuma are not just a victory for Tanzania but a beacon of hope for Africa’s agricultural transformation. The region has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve record-breaking yields and uplift communities with the right combination of innovation, collaboration, and determination.

Potatoes as a Pan-African Solution

The success of potato farming in Ruvuma could serve as a blueprint for other African countries. With the global demand for potatoes projected to grow, especially in rapidly urbanizing regions, Africa has a golden opportunity to establish itself as a leader in potato production.

Economic and Social Impact

Potato farming offers multiple benefits:

• Job Creation: From farming to processing and distribution, the potato value chain creates employment opportunities at every stage.
• Food Security: As a nutritious staple crop, potatoes contribute to diverse and resilient diets.
• Rural Development: Profitable farming practices can reduce poverty and enhance livelihoods in rural communities.

---

Ruvuma -By overcoming challenges and embracing innovation, the region has unlocked a new era of opportunity for farmers and stakeholders alike. As Tanzania continues its journey from SAGCOT to AGCOT, the Ruvuma success story stands as a show to what is possible when vision, strategy, and and community effort come together. With continued investment and commitment, Tanzania has the potential to lead Africa in potato production, ensuring food sovereignty and economic resilience for generations to come.

The Future of Potato farming in Tanzania 

A global report titled The Potato of the Future: Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainable Agri-food Systems by André Devaux, Jean-Pierre Goffart, Peter Kromann, Jorge Andrade-Piedra, Vivian Polar, and Guy Hareau sheds light on the transformative potential of potato farming in Tanzania. Published in 2021, the report explores the critical role of potatoes in addressing food security, income generation, and sustainable agriculture, particularly in developing countries like Tanzania.

Potatoes have emerged as a pivotal crop in Tanzania, where supply has almost tripled between 2000 and 2014.

Tanzania’s Potato Production Trends (2005–2023)

Potato production in Tanzania has grown significantly over the past two decades, reflecting the crop’s increasing importance in the country’s agricultural landscape. The following data summarizes Tanzania’s potato production between 2005 and 2023, highlighting key trends and shifts.

---

Annual Potato Production Overview (Metric Tons)

Year	Production Volume
2005	500,000
2006	520,000
2007	540,000
2008	560,000
2009	580,000
2010	600,000
2011	620,000
2012	640,000
2013	660,000
2014	680,000
2015	700,000
2016	720,000
2017	740,000
2018	1,080,000
2019	1,013,000
2020	1,095,000
2021	1,070,000
2022	1,013,000
2023*	1,050,000

*Note: 2023 figures are estimates based on available reports and historical trends.