Tanzania’s Hidden Bounty: Minister Criticizes Apple Imports, Urges Support for Local Produce

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Tanzanians continue to import apples unnecessarily, despite the country having ideal conditions for growing them locally, said Hon. Dr. Damas Ndumbaro—Member of Parliament for Songea Urban and Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs.

“People importing apples from abroad simply don’t understand,” Dr. Ndumbaro said. “If you go to Lushoto, Njombe, Iringa, Tukuyu, Mbeya, Bukoba—apples grow very well in all those places.”

His statement, made during the national budget discussions and now trending under the hashtag #BajetiYaWakulima, highlights the overlooked agricultural potential of Tanzania, especially in its cooler, high-altitude regions.

Tanzania’s Agricultural Wealth

The minister didn’t stop at apples. He pointed to a wide range of other crops that Tanzania produces in abundance: rice, coconuts, coffee, and tea. According to Dr. Ndumbaro, the presence of such crops is a sign of a blessed and fertile nation.

“When you see a country that grows coffee and tea, produces rice and coconuts—that country is truly blessed.”

A Wake-Up Call on Imports

Dr. Ndumbaro’s comments serve as a strong message to both policymakers and consumers. While Tanzania spends billions of shillings importing foods it can grow locally, the government is working to strengthen self-reliance in agriculture through initiatives like the Agricultural Growth Corridors of Tanzania (AGCOT).

Regions like Njombe and Mbeya are already producing apples, but many Tanzanians continue to buy imported ones—often from South Africa and Europe. Experts believe this is due to limited awareness, weak distribution channels, and underinvestment in post-harvest handling and marketing.

Supporting Local Farmers

The Minister’s remarks align with the Ministry of Agriculture’s push for increased investment in local farming, agribusiness, and food processing. These efforts aim to create jobs, reduce import dependency, and build Tanzania’s capacity to not only feed itself but also export premium produce.

The “Grow Local, Eat Local” movement is gaining traction as more leaders emphasize the importance of supporting Tanzanian farmers and eating what the country produces.

What Lies Ahead

If acted upon, Dr. Ndumbaro’s message could lead to a renewed focus on apples and other strategic crops, potentially boosting domestic production and reducing the import bill. With the right policies, consumer education, and investment, Tanzania could become a leading example of agricultural transformation in Africa.