Tanzania pioneers Bio-Based inputs drive for organic farming in Africa

TANZANIA: THE use of bio-based inputs such as organic kernels and fertilisers is still lagging behind in Tanzania as well as many other African countries, especially those mapped within the Sub-Saharan Region.

This is despite the fact that due to health consciousness and awareness; the entire world is shifting towards organically grown food. In the background of that, the University of Dares-salaam, in conjunction with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Africa Centre have come up with a single platform which will bring together all agricultural stakeholders to address the issue.

“We have brought here, local growers, farm inputs manufacturers, crop dealers and agencies, food producers, agricultural researchers, regulators and policy makers for special awareness raising training seminar,” said Dr Mesia Ilomo, the Researcher and Lecturer from the Department of Finance in the University of Dar-es-salaam’s Business School.

The project, according to Dr Ilomo, is supported by the Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative (SIANI) which is a global, open and inclusive network promoting and supporting multisector dialogue and action around sustainable, rightsbased and inclusive food systems.

ALSO READ: Majaliwa issues directives on next farming season

Senior Agronomist at the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) Abdon Hamaro, pointed out that, when it comes to agricultural produce, it is the market which determines the outputs, therefore growers will always farm what the buyers want.

“Buyers want big, shiny, plump and well-shaped agricultural harvest and to achieve that, most farmers will make sure they use all types of pesticides, herbicides and chemical based fertilisers to ensure that the products remain safe from bugs,” he said.

“However, today, due to emerging diseases, people around the world avoid farm produce grown with chemicals and therefore it is high time local farmers change their approach,” added Hamaro.

On his part, the Research Fellow with the African Centre for the Stockholm Environment Institute, Jacqueline Fellow, said they were working to create a regional platform to create awareness as well as encourage the application of bio-based farm inputs.

“We intend to create a roadmap to make the East African region as the continental hub for biobased inputs for healthy farming and food production in line with sustainable development,” said Ms Fellow.

Moza Masoud is an Arusha-based farmer who says with the production of organic food products, they hope to eventually crack international markets in future.