Tanzania has launched a national strategy to modernise its seed sector and expand access to climate-resilient varieties for millions of smallholder farmers by 2030.

The Tanzania Seed Sector Development Strategy (TSSDS), developed by the government with support from CGIAR’s Ukama Ustawi initiative and USAID through the ASPIRES programme, aims to address limited access to quality seed, fragmented regulation and low private-sector participation.

Fewer than one-third of Tanzania’s smallholder farmers currently use improved seeds, leaving many vulnerable to climate-related shocks and limiting agricultural productivity.

Strengthening The Seed System

The strategy was developed through a co-design process led by the Ministry of Agriculture and CGIAR centres, bringing together more than 150 stakeholders from government agencies, seed companies and farmer organisations.

It establishes the Ministry of Agriculture as the lead coordinating institution while strengthening the roles of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Seed Agency and Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute.

The reforms aim to improve variety release, seed quality assurance and certification while reducing bottlenecks across the seed supply chain.

Expanding Private Investment

The TSSDS promotes stronger public-private partnerships to attract investment in seed production, distribution infrastructure and last-mile delivery.

By 2030, Tanzania aims to double the area planted with improved seed from three million to six million hectares and quadruple the number of agro-dealers from 3,000 to 12,000.

The strategy also aligns potential investment of about $300 million towards developing a more competitive and sustainable seed market.

Building Climate Resilience

The strategy is intended to move Tanzania from a fragmented seed system towards a coordinated, market-oriented and climate-resilient sector.

By improving access to high-yielding and climate-adapted varieties, strengthening foundation seed supply and improving regulation, Tanzania aims to increase agricultural productivity while strengthening food security and rural economic opportunities.

The transition from strategy development to implementation will be critical to ensuring that the planned reforms translate into reliable access to improved seed for smallholder farmers across the country.