Report on Strengthening Tanzania’s Seed System for Sustainable Development

Introduction: Aligning Agricultural Initiatives with Global Goals

This report details efforts in Tanzania to fortify the agricultural seed sector, with a direct focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative, centered on dryland crops such as sorghum and groundnut, leverages multi-stakeholder partnerships to address critical development challenges. By improving seed delivery systems, the project aims to make significant contributions to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The collaboration between the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) is pivotal, creating market-responsive models to ensure smallholder farmers can access improved, affordable seed varieties.

Strategic Interventions for Food Security and Climate Resilience

Research and Collaboration for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Dryland agriculture in Tanzania presents a significant opportunity to enhance national food security. Over the last decade, collaborative research between CGIAR centers and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) has yielded significant progress in developing crop varieties that directly support SDG 13 by building resilience to climate change. These innovations are crucial for achieving SDG 2 by stabilizing and increasing food production.

• Sorghum Varieties: At least seven improved varieties have been developed, featuring traits such as Striga resistance, high yields, and drought tolerance, which are critical for climate adaptation.
• Groundnut Varieties: Eight new varieties offer enhanced drought resistance, disease tolerance, and improved nutritional value, contributing to both food security and better nutrition under SDG 2.

Despite these advancements, a persistent gap between potential and actual on-farm yields (1.1 t/ha for sorghum and 0.7 t/ha for groundnut) underscores the need for a holistic value chain approach to fully realize the objectives of Zero Hunger.

Scaling Up Seed Production for Economic Growth and Inclusivity

Tanzania’s national goal of achieving seed self-sufficiency by 2030 is a key driver for economic development, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). This strategy emphasizes strengthening the capacity of local seed producers, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth, thereby contributing to SDG 5 (Gender Equality). A recent Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum served as a catalyst, showcasing new varieties as viable business opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

Recently Released Varieties Supporting Market and Climate Needs:

1. Groundnut (TARIKA 1 & TARIKA 2): Released in 2024, these varieties mature in 90-100 days, are resistant to rust and leaf spot, and are suitable for confectionery and processing, creating new market opportunities.
2. Sorghum (TARISOR3, TARISOR4, TARISOR5): Set for release in 2025, these varieties are drought-tolerant, midge-resistant, and suitable for food, feed, and brewing, supporting diversified economic activities under SDG 8.
3. Hybrid Sorghum (TARISOR6): This first-ever hybrid from TARI, releasing in 2025, offers high yield potential (4.1–5.0 t/ha), promising significant productivity gains for farmers.
4. Early Maturing Sorghum (TARISOR7): Maturing in just 85-90 days, this 2025 release provides a climate-resilient option for farmers facing shorter rainy seasons.

Fostering Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for the Goals (SDG 17)

The Business-to-Business Forum as a Partnership Platform

The B2B Forum exemplified SDG 17 in action, convening over 100 participants from across the agricultural value chain, including seed producers, financial institutions, processors, and agribusinesses. Key governmental bodies such as the Cereal and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) and the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC) participated to align policy frameworks with private sector needs, creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth. NEEC provided guidance on SME financing, while COPRA outlined regulatory support for market system improvements.

Outcomes of Strategic Matchmaking

The forum’s matchmaking session facilitated targeted partnerships essential for scaling impact. Key outcomes included:

• Technology and Finance: Agricom discussed labor-saving machinery with farmer groups and connected processors like EONICE Food Products with financial institutions to support scaling operations.
• Policy and Costing: Quality Declared Seed (QDS) producers engaged with the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) to address the high cost of seed packaging, a barrier to business viability.
• Input and Knowledge Dissemination: FARM AFRICA partnered with seed companies to use village-based advisors for technology dissemination and establish joint demo plots to boost seed demand.
• Agronomic Support: TARI engaged directly with farmers to discuss soil suitability and best practices, ensuring that improved seeds are paired with the knowledge needed to achieve high productivity.
• New Product Introduction: ITRACOM, a new fertilizer company, agreed with QDS farmers to establish demo plots, creating pathways for farmers to become fertilizer agents and improve soil health.

The Way Forward: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Transformation

The successful delivery of quality seed is foundational to achieving agricultural transformation in Tanzania. The B2B forum confirmed strong sectoral momentum and identified clear strategies for improving seed adoption, production, and last-mile delivery. An integrated approach that engages the entire value chain—supported by enabling policies and strategic investments—is critical. By strengthening these partnerships (SDG 17), Tanzania can effectively transform its dryland agriculture, building resilience to climate change (SDG 13) while advancing national food security (SDG 2) and creating sustainable livelihoods (SDG 1 and SDG 8).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article connects to SDG 1 by focusing on improving the livelihoods of farmers in Tanzania. By providing access to improved seed varieties and making farming more “profitable,” the initiatives aim to increase farmer incomes, which is a direct strategy for poverty reduction.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  This is the most central SDG in the article. The entire focus is on strengthening the seed system for dryland crops like sorghum and groundnut to achieve “national food security.” Efforts to develop high-yield, stress-tolerant varieties and improve their delivery to farmers directly address the goal of ending hunger and improving agricultural productivity.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article explicitly mentions the goal of building “more capacity among local seed producers, especially women and youth.” This highlights an effort to empower women economically within the agricultural sector, aligning with the goal of ensuring women’s full participation and equal opportunities in economic life.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article discusses fostering “rural entrepreneurship” and creating “business opportunities” through the agricultural value chain. The B2B forum’s role in linking SMEs to financing and promoting agribusinesses supports sustainable economic growth and the creation of productive employment.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The development of “stress-tolerant,” “drought tolerant,” and “disease tolerance” seed varieties is a key theme. These traits are crucial for building resilience in “dryland agriculture,” which is vulnerable to climate-related hazards, thereby supporting adaptation to climate change.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article is a clear example of SDG 17 in action. It describes multi-stakeholder partnerships involving international research centers (CIMMYT, CGIAR), national institutions (TARI), public bodies (COPRA, NEEC), and the private sector (seed producers, financial institutions, agribusinesses) to achieve a common goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.

  The article directly addresses this by aiming to get improved, high-yield seed varieties into farmers’ hands to move beyond the current low average yields of “1.1 t/ha for sorghum and 0.7 t/ha for groundnut.”

• Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.

  The focus on developing and distributing “drought tolerant” and “disease tolerance” varieties for dryland agriculture is a direct implementation of resilient agricultural practices to strengthen food production systems against environmental shocks.

• Target 2.5: By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species.

  The work of TARI and CGIAR in developing and releasing multiple new varieties of sorghum (TARISOR3-7) and groundnut (TARIKA 1 & 2) contributes to enhancing and making accessible the genetic diversity of these crucial crops.

• Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources.

  The initiative to build capacity among “women and youth” as local seed producers is a step towards ensuring women have greater access to and control over economic resources within the agricultural sector.

• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

  The B2B forum’s objective to “foster investment,” link key players, and help “SMEs access financing and grow sustainably” directly aligns with this target.

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

  The development of crop varieties with traits like “Striga resistance,” “drought resistance,” and “midge resistant” is a core strategy to enhance the adaptive capacity of Tanzania’s agricultural sector to climate-related challenges.

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

  The entire article showcases this target through the collaboration between public research institutes (TARI), international organizations (CIMMYT), and a wide range of private sector actors, as detailed in the “Business Matchmaking Outcomes” table.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 2.3 (Volume of production per labour unit or per hectare): The article provides baseline data on current average yields (“about 1.1 t/ha for sorghum and 0.7 t/ha for groundnut”) and the potential yields of new varieties (e.g., TARISOR6 at “4.1–5.0 t/ha”). Progress can be measured by tracking the change in average on-farm yields over time.
• Indicator for Target 2.5 (Number of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured): The article explicitly states the number of new varieties available: “at least seven improved varieties” for sorghum and “eight varieties” for groundnut. The release of new varieties like TARIKA 1 & 2 and TARISOR3-7 serves as a direct measure of progress.
• Indicator for Target 17.17 (Number of companies participating in public-private partnerships): The article mentions that the B2B forum had “over 100 participants” and details numerous specific business matchmaking discussions between different entities (e.g., Agricom and KITUJA, NEEC and Seasoning Pallets). The number and outcomes of these partnerships are a clear indicator of progress.
• Implied Indicator for Target 8.3 (Proportion of informal employment in total employment): While not explicitly stated, the goal of linking SMEs to financing and supporting rural entrepreneurship implies a move towards formalizing businesses. The number of SMEs that successfully access loans or scale their operations through these initiatives could serve as a proxy indicator for formalization and growth.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: cimmyt.org