Overview

The agriculture sector in Tanzania is the backbone of the economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to GDP, food security, and rural development. The sector encompasses crop farming, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, with major agricultural exports including coffee, tea, cashew nuts, tobacco, cotton, and horticultural products. Despite its predominantly smallholder structure, agriculture remains vital for both subsistence and commercial purposes. The government has prioritized the sector through strategic initiatives such as the Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP II), investment in irrigation infrastructure, and support for agro-processing and value addition. Efforts are also being made to enhance access to agricultural financing, modern technologies, and markets. Challenges such as climate change, limited mechanization, post-harvest losses, and land tenure issues continue to affect productivity and sustainability. However, with vast arable land, favorable agro-climatic conditions, and growing demand for agricultural products, the sector holds strong potential to drive inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and support industrialization in Tanzania.

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