Tanzania becomes Africa’s new maize powerhouse
Tanzania has now become Africa’s second-biggest maize producer, overtaking Nigeria.
The country produced 11.7 million tonnes of maize in the 2023/24 season, which is nearly double what it produced two years ago.
The increase is due to government support, including fertiliser subsidies, new farming machines, and better market systems.
Although South Africa remains the largest maize producer on the continent, with up to 15 million tonnes a year, Tanzania’s rapid growth is important for Africa, because maize is a key food crop and demand is high.
The country’s production boost is expected to improve food security in the East African region.
One of the biggest reasons for this success is the fertiliser subsidy programme introduced in 2022, according to The Citizen.
Before this, farmers used very little fertiliser, around 15 kilogrammes per acre. Now, they use 24 kilogrammes per acre, and the government hopes to increase this to 50 kilogrammes by 2030.
More fertiliser has led to higher maize yields, and fertiliser sales have more than doubled in the last two years.
The government is also investing in modern farming tools. It has started a programme to distribute 10,000 tractors and power tillers by 2030. So far, 800 tractors and 800 power tillers have been provided to farmers, helping them work more efficiently and reducing labour costs. Mechanisation centres have been set up to rent farming tools at affordable prices.
In addition to machines and fertiliser, farmers are receiving better support.
They now have access to high-quality seeds, free soil testing, and agricultural officers who help them with farming advice. More than four million farmers have been registered in a national database to improve services.
The government is also helping farmers sell their maize at good prices.
The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has been buying maize from farmers to keep the market stable. In the last two years, it has bought over 700,000 tonnes, compared to just 200,000 tonnes three years ago.
The agency spent nearly Sh440 billion ($172.4 million) on maize and rice last season.
Tanzania is now selling maize to neighbouring countries like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as organisations like the World Food Programme.
