MWE Correspondent
In the heart of Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, tomato farming is more than just a seasonal occupation—it’s a time-honored way of life.
Across regions like Iringa, Mbeya, and Njombe, the early morning sun reveals neat rows of tomato plants, lovingly cultivated by families who have passed down this tradition through generations.
Here, farming is not just work—it’s survival. Tomatoes pay for children’s school fees, purchase medicine, support rural livelihoods, and even fund modest house repairs. For many, losing a harvest isn’t just an economic setback—it’s a personal and social crisis.
However, this simple red fruit now finds itself at the center of an alarming problem. A rapidly spreading pest infestation has emerged, threatening to cripple the region’s most dependable cash crop. Farmers are reporting unusual symptoms—damaged leaves, tunnel-ridden fruits, and stunted plant growth.
“I’ve been farming tomatoes for 20 years,” says Martha Kalinga, a widow in Kilolo District. “But I’ve never seen anything like this. We’re losing everything.”
Agricultural experts believe the culprit could be Tuta absoluta, a highly destructive moth native to South America but now found across Africa. The moth’s larvae bore into leaves and fruits, causing irreversible damage. Its fast reproductive cycle and resistance to many pesticides make it a nightmare for farmers and agronomists alike.
The infestation has exposed major gaps in the region’s agricultural extension services. Many small-scale farmers are unaware of proper integrated pest management (IPM) techniques or biological control alternatives to chemical sprays. As a result, some resort to excessive or inappropriate use of pesticides, posing risks to human health and the environment.
Moreover, logistical challenges such as poor rural infrastructure and limited access to agricultural training only worsen the situation. Extension officers struggle to reach remote villages, and most farmers cannot afford improved seeds or safer pest control solutions.
In some areas, the community has begun to fight back. Local leaders are organizing farmer groups to discuss early detection and organic solutions. Some villages are experimenting with homemade insect traps, neem extracts, and crop rotation—methods supported by sustainable farming principles.
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“We need support, not just for today’s problem, but for building long-term solutions,” says Japhet Mwanyika, a regional agricultural officer. “That includes training, funding, and farmer cooperatives to give these communities a voice.”
The potential for larger economic damage is real. If the infestation spreads to nearby regions, it could affect national food supply, cause price inflation, and increase dependency on imported produce. This is particularly dangerous in a country where over 70% of the population depends on agriculture for income.
Meanwhile, the tomato farmers of the Southern Highlands press on. Their days begin at dawn and end after dusk, spent weeding, watering, and battling pests. Children still help out before school, and elders still bless each harvest—no matter how small.
Their fight is quiet but fierce. It’s about much more than tomatoes. It’s about food security, dignity, and preserving a lifestyle shaped by tradition, resilience, and faith in the land.
