MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Simiyu Region has garnered international recognition for its groundbreaking contribution to the production of organic cotton.
Situated in the north of the country, Simiyu is now firmly on the global agricultural map as the only region in Tanzania currently cultivating cotton using fully organic methods.
This environmentally conscious form of farming avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds, and emphasizes natural practices that regenerate soil and protect ecosystems. These efforts have propelled Simiyu to produce nearly 60 percent of Tanzania’s total cotton output, according to recent reports from the Ministry of Agriculture (Tanzania).
The success in Simiyu is part of a larger transformation of Tanzania’s agriculture sector, which remains a cornerstone of the economy, employing over 65% of the population. The cotton industry has historically played a vital role in rural livelihoods, but Simiyu’s shift to organic certification has opened up premium export markets in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Today, Simiyu joins a global group of leading organic cotton producers, including India, Turkey, China, and Kyrgyzstan. These countries are setting benchmarks in ethical sourcing and traceable value chains.
In Tanzania, the growing international demand for sustainably sourced textiles has led to the installation of new traceability systems, allowing global buyers to confirm the exact origin of the cotton they purchase. This is being facilitated by digital tools that tag and monitor cotton from farm to fabric.
The remarkable gains in Simiyu are supported by Tanzania’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture. Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan—the country’s first female president—the government has focused on revitalizing rural industries, improving access to markets, and promoting green growth across key sectors.
Also Read; Ceasefire Fails as Violence Returns to Suwayda, Syria
Efforts to revive dormant infrastructure have seen old ginneries reopened, such as the once-defunct Sola Ginnery in Maswa District, which has been brought back into operation. New facilities have also been added to process cottonseed into edible oil, creating local jobs and boosting value addition within the region.
Beyond economics, the shift to organic practices is already bearing fruit for the community. Organic cotton fetches higher prices on international markets, improving income security for smallholder farmers, many of whom are women. These practices also contribute to long-term soil fertility, reducing dependency on chemical inputs and strengthening climate resilience.
The region has also expanded its food production, now harvesting over 1.17 million tonnes of crops—three times more than just five years ago. This surplus not only ensures food security but positions Simiyu as a future agro-processing hub for Tanzania.
Simiyu’s transformation is being closely watched by international development partners and environmental agencies looking to scale similar models across sub-Saharan Africa. The region’s example aligns with the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of climate action, responsible consumption, and poverty reduction.
With the global textile industry under pressure to clean up its supply chains, Simiyu’s organic cotton offers a promising alternative that balances ethical sourcing with economic development.From the rural farms of Simiyu to global fashion houses, Tanzania is weaving a new narrative—one of sustainability, innovation, and resilience. As demand for organic and transparent products grows, Simiyu’s success could well be the blueprint for a greener, fairer cotton economy across Africa.
