Unlocking Tanzania’s Soybean Potential: A Strategic Baseline Report for Sustainable Growth and Transformation

The Baseline Report of the Tanzanian Soybean Sub-Sector(2023) offers an extensive analysis of soybean production in Tanzania. This report serves as a crucial resource for driving the transformation of the soybean sub-sector, focusing on increasing productivity, strengthening value chains, and improving market linkages to foster sustainable agricultural growth.

Key Insights from the Report:

1. Current State of Soybean Production in Tanzania:

The report reveals that despite the significant potential for soybean cultivation, productivity remains low, with smallholder farmers contributing to over 99% of the total production. The regions covered include Morogoro, Iringa, Njombe, Rukwa, Songwe, Mbeya, and Ruvuma, with the highest concentration of soybean farming in the Southern Highlands. Challenges such as reliance on traditional farming methods, limited access to quality seeds, and inadequate extension services have hindered optimal yields, averaging 0.8 tonnes per hectare, compared to the global average of 3 tonnes per hectare.

2. Market Dynamics and Value Chain Analysis:

The report provides a detailed overview of the soybean value chain, including key actors such as producers, traders, processors, and input suppliers. It highlights the fragmented nature of the value chain, with poor coordination and limited linkages between farmers and end markets. Middlemen dominate the market, often leading to price distortions and reduced profitability for farmers. The report underscores the need for improved value chain governance and integration to increase market efficiency and farmer incomes.

3. Strategic Interventions for Enhancing Productivity and Market Access:

The baseline survey identifies strategic interventions to improve the soybean sector’s performance, including:

• Introduction of improved seed varieties: Over 77% of the farmers surveyed are already aware of improved varieties such as Uyole 4, which shows promise for higher yields and disease resistance.
• Adoption of modern agronomic practices: Promoting the use of inoculants, fertilizers, and sustainable farming techniques to triple productivity.
• Strengthening market linkages: Developing better aggregation models and enhancing the capacity of farmer cooperatives to negotiate with larger buyers.

4. Socioeconomic Impact and Potential for Scale-Up:

The report underscores the socioeconomic benefits of scaling up soybean production. Soybeans serve as a critical source of nutrition and an income-generating crop for smallholder farmers. With targeted support, the sector can significantly contribute to Tanzania’s economic development, improving food security, and positioning the country as a regional leader in soybean production.

Laying the Groundwork for a Resilient Soybean Sector

The Baseline Report of the Tanzanian Soybean Sub-Sector provides a robust foundation for strategic planning and policy formulation. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the opportunities for growth, Tanzania can unlock the full potential of its soybean sector. The insights and recommendations within this report are vital for guiding stakeholders—including government entities, development partners, and private sector players—in creating a thriving, sustainable, and profitable soybean industry that contribu