Tanzania steps up drive to boost farm exports, eliminate trade barriers

Arusha. In a renewed drive to boost the agricultural sector and enhance farmers’ incomes, the government is implementing strategic interventions designed to improve adherence to international market standards and dismantle key barriers to global trade.

The initiative, spearheaded through institutions like the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), is designed to enhance agricultural exports, increase productivity, and ensure Tanzanian produce remains competitive in global markets.

Speaking during the ongoing Nane Nane Northern Zone Agricultural Exhibition, TPHPA plant health and pesticide expert, Gabriel Mganga, identified compliance challenges as a major obstacle preventing many Tanzanian farmers from accessing international markets.

“A major reason many Tanzanian farmers fail to export is non-compliance with key conditions, particularly concerning plant health and pest management,” he said.

Mr Mganga explained that for crops to be accepted abroad, they must meet both consumer preferences and the strict biosecurity requirements of importing countries.

These include being free from pests, diseases, and pathogens that could threaten agriculture in destination markets.

He urged farmers to first research the export conditions of their target countries.

“Once farmers are clear on what is required, they should approach TPHPA for expert field inspections and laboratory analysis,” he said.

“If their crops don’t meet the standards, we will advise them on corrective measures,” he added.

Failure to follow the proper process, he warned, could result in losses from rejected shipments and, worse still, damage Tanzania’s export reputation or lead to trade restrictions.

Ambitious targets

Agriculture remains central to Tanzania’s economy, contributing about 30 percent to GDP and an equal share to export earnings.

The government is banking on increased compliance and strategic support to propel exports further.

Tanzania’s agricultural exports rose to $3.54 billion (about Sh9.56 trillion) in the 2023/24 financial year, up from $2.3 billion (about Sh6.21 trillion) in 2022/23.

To build on this momentum, the government has set an ambitious target to grow agricultural exports to $5 billion (about Sh13.5 trillion) by 2030.

TPHPA expert, Gladman Mbukoi, who specialises in managing epidemic pests, said this target is attainable, and even surpassable, if farmers and agribusinesses adopt good agricultural practices and prioritise plant health.

He pointed to the persistent threat of invasive species such as desert locusts and red-billed quelea birds as key risks that must be addressed.

“Farmers often resort to indiscriminate pesticide use when they see crops under stress,” Mbukoi noted.

“This can be counterproductive. Instead, they should alert their local agricultural officers immediately for professional support,” he added.

Farmers call for decentralised training

While the government’s efforts were widely welcomed at the Nane Nane exhibition, farmers are calling for more regionally tailored support, especially around training and capacity-building.

Ms Beatrice Laizer, a farmer who attended the event, urged authorities to decentralise agricultural training and align it with planting seasons in different zones.

“In northern Tanzania, our farming calendar runs from January to April. It would be more helpful to have training before the planting season begins, not just once a year during Nane Nane,” she said.

Experts say decentralised training, enhanced inspection services, and farmer-friendly export procedures are all crucial in unlocking Tanzania’s export potential.

As the country intensifies its focus on agricultural transformation, partnerships between government, research institutions, and farmers are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving both food security and economic growth.