“My son and daughter can now wear new uniforms and get an education without any financial worries. Now we eat fish and meat in each meal.”

In Tanzania, a single mother working on a watermelon farm has witnessed a surge in watermelon production. The total production volume in Tanzania’s watermelon sectors has significantly increased. This increase can be attributed to better agricultural practices and modern farming techniques. With demand increasing both domestically and internationally, farmers have expressed confidence. They believe that the market for Tanzanian watermelons will continue to expand, both in new export markets and in the volume of their exports. Also, they expect more helpful initiatives from new investors to give farmers a brighter future.

We should stay hydrated in the summer, and watermelon is a beautiful option. At about 92% water, watermelon is ideal for regulating body fluids. This fruit is well-known to people who live in countries with high temperatures.

All essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium, are abundant in watermelon. These elements are highly beneficial for maintaining overall health and immunity. The antioxidants in watermelon are lycopene and beta-carotene. Watermelon is sweet, yet it holds very few calories. It is a fruit that suits Weight Watchers who want to lose weight. Potassium and magnesium in watermelon keep the blood pressure at a healthy level. Therefore, the fruit is beneficial for cardiac health. The amino acid citrulline in watermelon can soothe muscle soreness. As a result, the fruit can be helpful for athletes and active people. Watermelon is rich in fiber. It is beneficial to prevent constipation, as it aids in proper digestion.

Many regions of Tanzania produce this healthy fruit. Morogoro boasts excellent soil conditions and a favorable climate. One of the most critical regions for watermelon farming is Morogoro. Doma is another region that produces watermelon. Doma has semi-desert weather conditions, which are perfect for watermelon production. Watermelon production also extends to coastal areas, such as Tanga and Dar es Salaam. This is due to its high temperatures and sufficient rainfall. Mbeya is another critical region for watermelon production.

Customers in Tanzania describe it as sweet and juice-filled, making it highly sought after. Tanzania provides ideal conditions for cultivating watermelon, ensuring a high-quality product. The output is increasing. Watermelon production has increased in Tanzania, leading to its rising popularity.

The Bradford Watermelon Project in Tanzania is an inspiring story. Many organizations in Tanzania are assisting farmers in the watermelon sector in meeting the demand. This involves planting Bradford watermelon seeds. These seeds exhibit exceptional resilience. This resilience enables them to thrive without irrigation or pesticides in the harshest weather conditions. This was a way to help the rural children. Specifically, they provided highly nutrient-enriched watermelons to the malnourished rural children. They successfully produced over 500 seeds after the initial harvest. This continued, branching into other communities and benefiting several people.

Furthermore, different organizations consistently assisted watermelon farmers. Still, there is slacking. Most farmers in Tanzania’s watermelon sector face many challenges. These problems reduce their product quality and quantity. 

Most farming communities still rely on traditional seeds. Unfortunately, these are less resistant and may yield less than the improved variety. Poor farming practices and restricted access to improved agricultural methods drive low yields and quality. Watermelon crops are also susceptible to pests—leaf-chewing beetles, root-knot nematodes—and diseases drastically reducing production. The perishable nature of watermelons and insufficient storage facilities lead to significant post-harvest losses. Watermelon farming heavily relies on rain-fed agriculture. Hence, it is vulnerable to climate change and extreme events such as droughts and floods. Farmers face insufficient access to financial services. Therefore, farmers have fewer options to improve all the facilities for the best farming process.

 Continuous inconsistent production and improper post-harvest result in handling renders for these products that cannot meet international quality standards. Difficulties in certification and documentation, including phytosanitary certification, also exist. Poor infrastructure is characterized by a general need for better roads and transportation. That would facilitate the easy movement of produce from farms to ports or airports. Farmers find it challenging to access international markets. This is because of the disorganization of market systems and the need for market information. International export costs—transport, packaging, and international regulatory standards—are high, lowering profitability.

All of these issues present significant investment opportunities. Investors can take new initiatives to solve these problems. Following successful ventures and along with creative initiatives can solve problems. Watermelon production in Tanzania has increased, reaching about 38,000 metric tonnes in 2022. The Tanzanian watermelon market’s value increased significantly to $5.3 million in 2023, up 11% from the previous year. This reflects strong demand both for the domestic and international markets. Although not a major global exporter, Tanzania has increased its watermelon exports. Tanzania exports watermelons to markets in Qatar and Comoros.

Various agricultural organizations support different pastoral activities.  Many organizations are now supporting the watermelon farmers in Tanzania. This allows farmers to improve their produce in terms of yield and quality, thereby fostering industry growth.

In conclusion, the industry has significantly expanded, benefiting farmers by improving their livelihoods. One example is a single mother who can now afford to provide her children with education and better nutrition. Improved agronomic practices, favourable climatic conditions, and demand from domestic and international markets propel this success. Though challenges remain, farmers have increased their productivity and exportation through projects such as the Bradford Watermelon Project with the help of organisations. With much more investment and innovation, the watermelon industry in Tanzania could grow. In addition, it can be even bigger and present excellent opportunities to farmers and investors alike.