Tanzania is a famous country for its agricultural wealth. In this country, 75% of the labor work in agriculture. Besides, Tanzania’s agriculture also plays a significant role in its economic growth. About one-third of the GDP in 2020 was made up of agricultural activities, forestry, and fishing about 14.3 billion dollars. It also contributes about 30% of export earnings. However, as technology has been introduced everywhere, agriculture should adopt advanced technology for its well-being. 

Tanzania continuously puts its effort into standing as an advanced agri-tech-based country. However, there is a lack of tech-based start-up organizations. There is also another gap in teaching or introducing these technologies to farmers.  With a gap in fulfilling its demand, people welcome investors to take steps to ensure potential growth.

Emerging Agri-Tech Sector: The lack of advanced agri-tech startups and limited farmer education presents both a challenge and an opportunity for investors to transform the sector.

Global Innovations in Agri-Tech: Examples such as precision farming, drones, IoT sensors, AI, and vertical farming inspire potential advancements for Tanzanian agriculture.

Farmer Readiness for Technology: Tanzanian farmers are eager to adopt tech solutions like solar-powered irrigation and climate-smart practices, although knowledge gaps remain a barrier.

Many types of technology have been used to solve environmental problems, predict weather, and improve production. Those thinking about what to integrate for stabilizing tech-based startups- these innovations can create opportunities for  Tanzanian agri-tech startups, such as –

• Precision farming optimizes field-level management using GPS, sensors, and data analytics. It precisely combines inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides. It has been proven to increase crop yields by at least 30%.
• Drones and UAVs capture aerial imagery to monitor crops, soil health, and irrigation systems. This will help detect problems like pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies early. 
• Automatic machinery includes GPS-guided tractors, harvesters, and planters. Each performs the tasks without much human intervention, saving labor costs.
• AeroFarms in New Jersey uses vertical farming to control the environment. Vertical farming involves growing crops in stacked layers, mostly indoors, to create a controlled environment that better utilizes space and resources. It is very efficient, using minimal water.

• Iron Ox of California plants and harvests crops indoors using robots. Planting, weeding, and harvesting—these are all robot activities. They can work continuously without stopping and thus reduce human labor. 
• IoT Sensors and devices connected to the Internet acquire and share information on soil, weather, and crop health in real-time to make proper decisions. Cold-based IoT sensors are also used in the warehouse to prevent waste.
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning analyze data from various sources, such as weather stations and satellite images. This can help predict yields, optimize the use of inputs, and even allow for early detection of diseases.
•  Biotechnology includes genetic engineering and other biotech methods to develop more resistant crops against pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. 
• Solar power is the oldest technology, but it remains helpful in driving irrigation systems, greenhouses, and other equipment, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Farmers are showing increasing interest in using modern farming methods. When asked if they are now eager to use new technologies, a farmer in Tanzania shared a story: “When we started to use solar energy in our agriculture field, we were surprised how this technology eased our daily activities. Solar-powered cold storage helps us preserve perishable products like fruits and vegetables. 

Solar irrigation systems also help farmers access water at a low cost. So, we are hoping that more new technologies will advance production and solve our problems. Besides, I have also heard that many new technologies now predict the weather, climate change, etc. But the problem is that some of us have poor knowledge about these devices or don’t know how to use them, but we are still willing  to use these.” 

The number of people adopting climate-smart agriculture technologies has increased. A study provides data showing that around 34% of farmers use chemical fertilizers, and 26% have adopted irrigation techniques.

Tanzania’s agricultural technology is not advanced, leading to economic loss due to traditional production methods and post-harvest procedures. A report shows that one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted, and post-harvesting procedures have led to significant waste. Traditional farming produce loses up to 50 percent because of old farming methods, poor storage facilities, and ineffective pest control. This is equivalent to an estimated one trillion Tanzanian shillings yearly.

Solving these problems and maximizing productivity requires using these technologies. Many organizations are using this technology to reduce the rate of challenges in the agro field. A true story defines how success can be ensured-

 M-Farm: M-Farm is a Kenyan agri-tech startup. This organization took its first step to solve the problems faced by Kenyan farmers. Most farmers in Kenya face many issues, such as a lack of market information, low intermediary prices, and weak bargaining positions. 

M-Farm is a Kenyan agri-tech startup that designed a mobile platform to provide real-time access to market prices and weather updates. It also introduced an online marketplace where farmers could sell directly to buyers. It offered, among other features, group selling, which would allow farmers to aggregate their produce and fetch better prices. M-F arm’s technology brought a different balance to farmers’ lives.

Farmers who joined the M-Farm realized increased incomes of up to 50%, resulting from increased market prices and buyer linkages. The real-time price information provided a hedge against the exploitation of farmers by intermediaries and greatly informed farmers’ decisions on when and where to sell their produce. Weather updates and agricultural tips enabled farmers to plan accordingly and raise their yields. The feature of group selling promoted a communal feeling among the farmers and gave them greater bargaining power.

Tanzanian farmers are also waiting for this initiative, which will solve the problems and give them privileges like Kenyan farmers. In this case, investors can play a crucial role. They can take this new initiative and build agri-tech-based startups using the latest technologies and trends.

Tanzania’s agricultural products and crops include maize, rice, coffee, tea, cashew nuts, tobacco, and sisal. It is considered an African frontrunner in cashew nuts and coffee production. Many livelihoods depend on and work in the agro sector, and taking the initiative would be a very strategic decision. 

Innovative agri-tech startups are the future of agriculture in Tanzania. They can transform the present situation of the agricultural sector. Changing the tide against significant challenges facing the industry, such as low productivity and market inefficiencies, among other impacts of climate change. Such startups give investors unique opportunities to support economic growth and sustainable development. 

Tanzania’s agricultural landscape is still evolving, and there is immense opportunity for agri-tech solutions to create more food security, jobs, and better farmer incomes. With investment and support, such an ecosystem would flourish, driving the future of sustainable agriculture within the country.