Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s farming landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation. After decades of dependence on maize as a staple crop, smallholder farmers across the country are shifting toward fruit farming — a move driven by changing global diets, climate realities, and the promise of better incomes.
While maize remains central to the country’s food system, its economic returns have been dwindling due to volatile market prices, unpredictable weather patterns, and rising input costs. In contrast, fruit farming — particularly crops like avocados, mangoes, and papayas — offers higher value, consistent global demand, and better export margins.
Tanzania’s rich agroecological zones and tropical climate place it in a unique position to supply premium fruits to the world. In 2024, the country earned $2.32 billion by exporting 1.57 million tonnes of fruits and legumes, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. These figures highlight the sector’s enormous potential as a driver of rural income and national revenue.
One standout success has been the avocado. Once a niche product, it has quickly become Tanzania’s green gold. The country is now one of the fastest-growing avocado exporters in Africa, trailing only Kenya and South Africa. According to the International Trade Centre, Tanzania’s avocado exports reached 26,826 tonnes in 2023 — up from just 15,432 tonnes in 2021.
The rise of health-conscious consumers around the world is playing a central role in this demand. Countries in the European Union, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and now China are increasingly importing Tanzanian fruits as part of their shift toward organic, tropical superfoods.
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Consumers are also more focused on sustainably sourced and pesticide-free produce, giving Tanzanian farmers an edge in the premium export niche.
In response to this booming demand, the Tanzanian government — alongside private sector actors like the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) — has launched various initiatives to scale up fruit farming. These include:
- Distribution of over 1 million fruit tree seedlings
- Training for thousands of agricultural extension officers
- Market linkages with international buyers
- Auditing and strengthening 7,000+ farmer cooperatives
Organizations like One Acre Fund, USAID Feed the Future, and TechnoServe are also actively supporting farmers with modern techniques, improved seeds, and post-harvest training.
Despite the impressive gains, the sector still faces notable hurdles. Limited cold chain infrastructure, poor road connectivity, and the high cost of certification (such as GlobalG.A.P) often hinder farmers from fully tapping into export markets.
Post-harvest losses — particularly due to lack of proper storage and packaging — remain a threat to profitability. Experts are calling for investment in agro-processing, refrigerated transport, and rural aggregation hubs.
For many Tanzanian farmers, fruits are no longer just side crops — they’re a pathway out of poverty. Rehema Matata, a farmer in Iringa who replaced half of her maize fields with avocado trees, says she now earns triple her previous income. “We used to wait for rain and pray for fair prices,” she says. “Now buyers come to us — and they pay in dollars.”
According to TAHA, Tanzania is targeting $2 billion in horticulture exports by 2030. With new deals signed with India, South Korea, and China, that target looks increasingly realistic.
As the world shifts toward greener, healthier diets, Tanzania’s farmers are quietly becoming global players in food security. With the right support, the humble fruit tree may just become the country’s most powerful tool for rural transformation.
