Transforming Agriculture in Tanzania: A Four-Year Milestone for Food Security and Economic Growth

Dar es Salaam,

Tanzania’s agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy, has seen unprecedented progress over the past four years, driven by strategic investments, innovative policies, and inclusive growth programs. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture, these developments are paving the way for food security, economic prosperity, and youth empowerment while positioning the country as a competitive player in global agricultural markets.

This feature delves into the remarkable achievements, from budgetary expansion and modernized farming inputs to irrigation schemes and agro-industrialization, which are collectively transforming Tanzania’s agricultural landscape.

Agricultural Budget Boost: A Foundation for Growth

One of the most significant milestones in the agricultural sector has been the dramatic increase in budget allocation. Over four years, the budget soared from TZS 294 billion in 2021/22 to TZS 1.25 trillion in 2024/25, marking a 230% increase. This surge underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing agriculture as a critical economic sector.

With the additional funds, various initiatives have been launched to improve access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern agricultural technologies, benefitting millions of smallholder farmers. Increased budgetary support has also enabled the implementation of key irrigation projects, boosting productivity and ensuring resilience against climate change.

Seed and Fertilizer Interventions: Increasing Yields

Improved seed production has been another area of transformation. The annual production of quality seeds increased from 50,747 tons in 2021/22 to 71,356 tons in 2023/24, representing a 40.61% rise. The target for 2024/25 is ambitious but achievable: producing 127,650 tons of seeds.

Fertilizer use, a critical input for increasing crop yields, has also grown significantly. Consumption rose from 363,599 tons in 2021/22 to 580,628 tons in 2022/23, largely due to government subsidies. The ongoing expansion of Tanzania Fertilizer Company (TFC), supported by a TZS 116 billion investment, ensures that fertilizer is accessible and affordable for all farmers. By 2024/25, the target is to reach a million tons of fertilizer use.

Enhancing Market Access for Farmers

Market access remains a vital aspect of agricultural success, and Tanzania has made commendable strides. Farmers now benefit from transparent buying systems, including the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), warehouse receipt systems, and contract farming models. These interventions have stabilized crop prices, ensuring fair returns for farmers.

Export markets for Tanzanian produce have also expanded, with new trade partnerships in countries like Malaysia, Turkey, Israel, and China. This diversification has increased export earnings from $1.2 billion in 2021 to $2.3 billion in 2024, representing a 91.6% growth. Key export crops such as avocados, tobacco, and coffee have led this surge, contributing significantly to the national GDP.

Irrigation Development: Tackling Climate Challenges

Irrigation projects have been central to boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security amidst erratic rainfall patterns. The government is currently implementing 780 irrigation schemes, with 133 initiated in 2022/23 and 647 in 2023/24. Upon completion, these projects will expand Tanzania’s irrigated land area significantly, creating opportunities for year-round farming.

In addition to constructing new irrigation schemes, the government has prioritized upgrading existing infrastructure. The modernization of irrigation systems and construction of dams have ensured water availability, even during prolonged dry seasons. Complementing these efforts, 320 agricultural experts have been deployed to regional irrigation offices to provide technical support to farmers.

Food Production: Feeding the Nation

Food production has seen remarkable growth, rising from 17.15 million tons in 2021/22 to 22.8 million tons in 2023/24—a 33% increase. Major staples such as maize and rice have recorded significant gains, helping to sustain the country’s food self-sufficiency level, which now stands at 124%.

The surplus in food production has also opened up opportunities for exports, particularly to neighboring countries facing food shortages. Tanzania’s role as a regional food basket is being solidified, with strategic policies ensuring both domestic food security and regional trade benefits.

Empowering Youth and Women in Agriculture

Agriculture is not just a means of livelihood but a gateway to socio-economic empowerment, especially for youth and women. Through programs like “Building a Better Tomorrow” (BBT), 686 young farmers have been provided with access to farmland across key regions such as Dodoma, Mbeya, and Kigoma. Additionally, women and youth have received low-interest loans to venture into agribusiness, with over TZS 184 million disbursed under the Agricultural Finance initiative.

The introduction of the BBT Agricultural Extension Entrepreneurship Scheme has further expanded opportunities for young graduates to participate in extension services. Operating across 40 cotton-growing regions, this program equips youth with the skills needed to support farmers while creating self-employment opportunities.

Agro-Industrialization: Adding Value Locally

To ensure maximum economic benefits from agriculture, the government has focused on agro-industrialization. Notable initiatives include the establishment of a cashew processing cluster in Mtwara, a sunflower processing facility, and a sugar factory. These industries not only create jobs but also ensure that value addition is done locally, increasing profitability for farmers.

In Dodoma, the completion of a grape-processing factory is set to transform the wine industry, enhancing incomes for grape farmers while positioning Tanzania as a competitive wine exporter. Such projects align with the government’s vision of linking agriculture to industrialization, fostering economic growth.

Research and Technology: Innovating for the Future

The Ministry of Agriculture has ramped up research and development efforts, leading to the discovery of 53 new seed varieties and eight advanced farming techniques. These innovations are shared with farmers through an improved extension service network.

To enhance soil fertility management, the government has distributed 143 soil testing kits to district agricultural offices, enabling farmers to optimize fertilizer use. The establishment of modern laboratories for sisal propagation and soil testing further underlines the emphasis on science-driven agriculture.

Cooperative Reforms: Strengthening Farmer Organizations

Farmers’ cooperatives have received a major boost with the establishment of the National Cooperative Bank. With an initial capital of TZS 20 billion, the bank provides affordable credit to farmer groups, enabling them to purchase inputs and access markets effectively. Cooperative membership has also grown, encompassing diverse sectors such as livestock, fisheries, and horticulture.

Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Growth

Sustainability is a guiding principle in Tanzania’s agricultural transformation. The use of drones for pest and disease surveillance, the promotion of environmentally friendly farming techniques, and the expansion of organic farming are among the measures ensuring long-term agricultural health.

Through partnerships with global organizations, the government is also addressing climate change challenges, including drought and soil erosion, to secure the future of farming.

The Path Forward

The achievements of the past four years paint a promising picture of Tanzania’s agricultural future. By addressing key challenges, from funding and market access to youth participation and irrigation development, the government has laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

As the country transitions from the SAGCOT model to a nationwide AGCOT approach, the goal is to replicate these successes across all regions. This strategy aligns with the Dakar 2 Summit’s call for food sovereignty and resilience, positioning Tanzania as a leader in agricultural transformation.

With continued commitment, the Ministry of Agriculture is not only ensuring food security but also empowering Tanzanians to harness the full potential of agriculture as a driver of economic and social development. The journey ahead is ambitious, but the seeds of success have already been sown.