Joseph Isangura
The price of ginger in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, has skyrocketed from TSh 2,000 to TSh 7,000 per kilogram due to prolonged drought conditions severely affecting local production.
Traders in the municipality have resorted to importing ginger from Ethiopia to meet consumer demands.
A survey across major markets such as Manyema and Mbuyuni revealed prices ranging between TSh 6,000 and TSh 7,000 per kilogram, a dramatic rise that has caused frustration among consumers and producers alike.
Kilimanjaro, a region known for producing over 70% of Tanzania’s ginger supply, typically contributes around 15,400 tons of the country’s annual 22,000-ton production. However, farmers in Same District report that the past three years of consecutive drought have led to drastically reduced yields, with many fields failing to produce harvestable crops.
Speaking to reporters, farmers expressed concern over the dwindling output, which they attribute to the lack of sufficient rainfall. “Our crops have suffered immensely, and this has caused both financial losses for farmers and higher prices for consumers,” lamented a local grower.
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The drought’s impact has not only inflated prices but also disrupted the livelihoods of those dependent on ginger farming and trade. Local traders warn that if weather patterns do not improve soon, reliance on imports will increase, further raising prices and making ginger unaffordable for many.
Experts emphasize the need for long-term solutions, including investments in irrigation and climate-resilient farming practices, to sustain ginger production in the region. With global demand for ginger rising, stakeholders urge policymakers to address these challenges urgently to safeguard the industry and ensure affordable prices for consumers.
