TARI’s ACCELERATE Project: promoting climate-resilient seed varieties for essential crops

The ACCELERATE Project – A Seed of Hope for Tanzanian Farmers
In a groundbreaking effort to address the challenges of climate change and low crop productivity, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) has launched the ACCELERATE project. This ambitious initiative focuses on promoting climate-resilient seed varieties for essential crops, including groundnut, sorghum, and beans. Designed to improve yields and adapt to Tanzania’s diverse agricultural landscape, ACCELERATE is providing small-scale farmers with the tools they need to thrive amidst changing weather patterns and fluctuating market demands.

The project’s impact is already evident. Farmers like Olipa Mahala from Chamwino have seen a dramatic increase in productivity. By adopting the TARISOR 1 sorghum variety, Mahala’s yield skyrocketed from 4-5 sacks per hectare to an impressive 15-20 sacks, transforming her livelihood and showcasing the potential of improved seed varieties to uplift Tanzanian agriculture.

TARI’s Role in Agricultural Innovation and Sustainability
Beyond ACCELERATE, TARI plays a vital role in advancing Tanzania’s agricultural sector through research, development, and dissemination of improved seed varieties. Led by its Director General, Dr. Thomas Bwana, TARI is committed to helping the nation meet its agricultural targets by enhancing crop yields, building climate resilience, and fostering sustainable practices. This commitment was highlighted at a recent workshop in Dodoma, where agricultural experts, farmers, and industry representatives gathered to discuss market insights and effective seed systems for groundnut, sorghum, and bean crops.

Introducing Climate-Resilient Seeds: The Latest Varieties
The ACCELERATE project has introduced a range of improved seed varieties specifically designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions. These include TARIBEAN 6 through TARIBEAN 11 for beans, TARIKA 1 and TARIKA 2 for groundnuts, and TARISOR 1 and TARISOR 2 for sorghum. Developed in collaboration with local and international agricultural research organizations, these seeds empower farmers to achieve better yields and contribute to food security across Tanzania. By equipping farmers with resilient seeds, TARI is not only improving productivity but also strengthening the agricultural sector against future climate challenges.

Success Stories from the Field: Farmers Reap the Benefits
The benefits of TARI’s improved seed varieties are perhaps best illustrated through the experiences of farmers like Olipa Mahala and Agatha Lazier. Lazier, a peanut butter processor from Dar es Salaam, has seen firsthand the positive impact of optimized crop selection on her business. Speaking at the Dodoma workshop, she urged fellow farmers to seek expert guidance from TARI to enhance their productivity and adapt to evolving market needs. Her success story, along with others, exemplifies the real-world impact of TARI’s efforts on local communities and businesses.

Fostering Collaboration for Sustainable Agricultural Growth
A critical component of TARI’s approach is fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Emmanuel Thomas, National Coordinator for the AVISA project, emphasized the role of workshops in guiding stakeholders on the adoption of new seed varieties and underscored the importance of market intelligence. These partnerships, facilitated by TARI, create a platform for knowledge sharing and community support, reinforcing Tanzania’s agricultural sector and helping small-scale farmers overcome traditional barriers to growth.

Workshops and Knowledge Sharing Across Tanzania
TARI’s workshops, like the recent event in Dodoma, provide essential knowledge-sharing opportunities for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. With support from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), these workshops serve as forums for discussing seed systems, crop management strategies, and market trends. Over 224 stakeholders from across Tanzania have participated, demonstrating the agricultural community’s enthusiasm for adopting innovative practices that can drive productivity. By gathering feedback from farmers and experts alike, TARI ensures that its research is tailored to meet real-world needs.

Unlocking Market Opportunities and Enhancing Resilience
TARI’s Director General, Dr. Thomas Bwana, highlighted the importance of market-focused strategies in addition to agricultural innovations. By guiding farmers on the adoption of resilient seeds and the latest market trends, TARI helps unlock new opportunities, enabling farmers to connect with larger markets. This focus on market access, combined with climate resilience, is central to TARI’s mission of driving sustainable agricultural growth. The introduction of new seed varieties under the ACCELERATE project is a testament to TARI’s holistic approach to transforming Tanzanian agriculture.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite TARI’s significant progress, challenges such as climate variability, limited market access, and resource constraints remain. However, TARI remains steadfast in its commitment to finding solutions. Dr. Bwana assured stakeholders that TARI will continue to prioritize sustainable growth, climate adaptation, and farmer empowerment. With a strong foundation in research and a focus on practical solutions, TARI is well-positioned to address these challenges and build a resilient agricultural future for Tanzania.