By MaryAnne Musilo
Tanzanian maize farmers are incomes greater than twice as a lot as Kenyan farmers as their yields bounce upwards within the nation’s quickly increasing maize sector, because of robust authorities recommendation and extension, and subsidised fertilisers.
In 2024, Tanzania grew to become Africa’s second-largest maize producer after South Africa, recording a harvest of 12.26 million tonnes, with many farmers now reporting main adjustments.
Beda Komba, farming maize in Binga, Tanzania stated he’s now incomes round Tsh18 million per season from his 15 acres, the equal of Sh62,400 per acre, promoting to brokers who export to neighbouring nations.
“Every year the federal government tells us which seed to plant and the place to purchase. Largely we get seeds from Malawi and Zimbabwe,” stated Beda, who, for the final three years has planted Tembo SC 719 maize due to its reliability with out irrigation.
Beda stated he spends about Tsh22,000 per acre on te SC 719 seed, which takes round 5 months to mature, however “it’s extremely immune to illnesses and has acquired good grains. I haven’t handled illnesses, however rats and birds are inclined to eat the grains earlier than they germinate. However the seed adapts to totally different altitudes making it simpler for me to depend upon rainfall.”
The place he loses seeds to birds and rats, he replants within the areas. “I harvest round 270 baggage of 120kg,” he stated, which is equal to 2.16 tonnes per acre, or 24 baggage of 90kg.
It’s this yield stage that has modified his fortunes. Till not too long ago, maize yields have been comparable in Kenya and Tanzaia, in line with the US Division of Agriculture info service, at round 700kg, or eight 90kg sacks, per acre, in contrast with Beda’s 2.16 tonnes right this moment.
In addition to the standard of seed, fertiliser and extension providers have been crucial on this excessive yield.
Beta makes use of 42 baggage of fertiliser throughout his complete farm. Earlier than Tanzania’s fertiliser subsidy programme, a 50kg bag of DAP price about Tsh131,675, discouraging many farmers from utilizing it. However now Beta spends half that, at Tsh60,000 to Tsh79,000 per bag.
“I began farming when the federal government carried out the subsidy. Additionally agricultural extension officer are in each province, making it simpler to seek the advice of with them,” he stated
The worth he will get per kg for his maize is often decrease than in Kenya, however he is much better off, and the decrease costs are additionally driving up Tanzania’s maize exports, driving robust demand.
Brokers journey on to Beda’s farm to purchase maize for export. “I promote to the brokers at round tsh600 per kilo. They then export to nations like Sudan.”
This value is equal to round Sh3,100 a tonne, in comparison with the Sh3,000 to Sh4,300 per tonne paid to Kenyan farmers, however as a result of he’s producing thrice as a lot per acre, he is much better off.
His principal problem, he stated, is now delayed fee by brokers, which imply he’s at present solely planting one harvest per 12 months, as he will get stalled on the money to purchase new inputs.
