In Tanzania, the cotton industry plays a crucial role, with approximately 2 million people relying on it for their primary needs. This figure underscores the significance of cotton, a staple crop in the country. The industry employs many Tanzanians and contributes significantly to the agricultural GDP, producing approximately 220,000 tons of cotton annually. The Western Cotton Growing Areas (WCGAs) comprise 12 administrative regions and are the major cotton-growing regions, accounting for approximately 99% of the country’s cotton production. This thriving market not only offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to start a cotton business or open a cotton farm, whether conventional or organic, but also holds significant potential for future growth and development, promising a bright and prosperous future for those who choose to invest in it.

Tanzania’s Cotton Industry: Cotton plays a central role in the Tanzanian economy, with approximately 2 million people employed in it and contributing a significant portion of the country’s agricultural GDP, yielding an average annual output of around 220,000 tons.

Major Cotton Growing Regions: The Western Cotton Growing Regions (WCGAs) are the primary regions for cotton production in Tanzania, accounting for 99% of the country’s total production.

Organic vs. Conventional Cotton: Conventional cotton cultivation involves the application of pesticides and fertilisers to achieve high yields, whereas organic cotton, cultivated using environmentally friendly methods, is gaining momentum due to its ecological benefits, including improved soil fertility and water conservation.

Variety of Uses of Cotton: Cotton is applied in the textile sector, medical devices, non-apparel products, and even electrical components. Its biodegradable characteristic makes it an eco-friendly product.

Obstacles for Farmers: Insect pests, unpredictable climatic conditions, and high input costs (including seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides) pose significant challenges for farmers, particularly smallholders.

Call to Action for Investors: Investors and entrepreneurs have a call to action to invest in sustainable cotton agriculture ventures, focusing on integrated pest management, improved farming practices, and infrastructural development to enhance resilience to climate change.

EcoGreen’s Contribution: EcoGreen promotes sustainable agriculture by providing training to smallholder farmers, helping them adopt climate-smart practices and improve their productivity.

But let’s know which is more common and beneficial —organic or conventional cotton? Applying artificial fertilizers and pesticides in traditional cotton farming produces high yields. It significantly contributes to Tanzania’s agricultural GDP and sustains the livelihoods of over 500,000 households. The market demand for conventional cotton remains stable, both domestically and internationally. The country annually produces about 220,000 tons of cotton.

On the other hand, Tanzania produced 16,000 tons of organic cotton in 2019/2020, accounting for about 6.4% of the world’s total organic output. In the same fiscal year, it ranks 5th among 21 organic cotton-producing countries. Organic cotton farming, which does not use synthetic chemicals, offers significant benefits. It protects soil health, prevents water pollution, and promotes biodiversity. Organic cotton farming benefits farmers and consumers and ensures better market prices and promising returns for farmers. Organic farming methods enhance long-run agricultural sustainability and contribute to climate resilience. This inspiring model of sustainable agriculture not only benefits the environment but also promises a brighter future for the Tanzanian cotton industry.

 First, let’s explore the various applications of cotton. Cotton is one of those fabrics whose uses vary in many fields. Cotton has extensive applications in textile industries, such as t-shirts, jeans, dresses, and underwear. Its breathability, softness, and durability make it a popular choice for everyday wear. The other essential uses of cotton include making textiles for the home, such as bed linen, towels, curtains, and upholstery. It can serve in these capacities due to its moisture-retentive properties and resilience to frequent washing. Bandages, gauze, and cotton swabs are other medical products that utilise cotton as a primary material. Cotton’s hypoallergenic nature and sterilisation capabilities make it an ideal material for medical use. Cotton also serves non-apparel consumer goods, such as upholstery, tents, and bookbinding. Fishnets, coffee filters, and archival paper are also used. The cotton plant seeds are used to make cottonseed oil for cooking, as well as soaps, cosmetics, and margarine. Electronic components and insulation layers utilize cotton due to its insulating properties. Because cotton is biodegradable and a sustainable product, it does not harm the environment, unlike synthetic fibers. However, farmers have recently faced some challenges in cotton farming.

A farmer working in Tanzania’s cotton farm said he has faced integrated pest management problems and wants a program that will assist farmers in reducing the possibility of using pesticides to minimize chemical application. He also added the other problems, such as –

• Insect pests, such as jassids and bacterial blight, pose a significant threat. These are likely to reduce yields while significantly increasing pesticide applications. 
• Unpredictable climatic conditions like droughts and floods worsen cotton production.
• In addition to the high population growth, inadequate irrigation facilities force farmers to rely primarily on rain, putting them at risk of climate variability. 
• Continuous cotton cultivation with no proper management practices leads to a loss of vital nutrients in the soil, consequently reducing its yield. 
• Seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides are the most costly inputs. Most smallholder farmers cannot afford such inputs, negatively impacting their production level. Many farmers in Tanzania want to improve their conditions and hold the leading position.

 This institution plays a pivotal role in managing various environmental programs, including improving the adaptive capacity of urban and peri-urban smallholder farmers. It distributes environmentally friendly practices and offers training on sustainable agriculture, providing a reliable support system for those interested in sustainable cotton farming in Tanzania.

• Investors and entrepreneurs can solve this problem by organizing a program that involves farmers in minimizing pesticide application, thereby reducing chemical use. 
• In crop protection, IPM emphasises sustainability to prevent the re-infestation of parasites and bacterial blight, thereby maintaining crop health and productivity. It will foster resilience to climate variability through training on modern farming techniques and sustainable agricultural practices. 
• The program will focus on developing transportation and storage infrastructure, as well as enhancing production and export capabilities, even in unpredictable climatic conditions such as floods and droughts. 
• And like EcoGreen organisations, they can create a comprehensive business model. These sustainable practices are beneficial for the environment and the long-term success and resilience of the cotton industry in Tanzania. 

A very competitive market structure characterizes the Tanzanian cotton sector. After liberalization in 1994, the state retreated almost entirely from the industry; however, through the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB), it has since revived its involvement to support the coordination of the multiplication of seeds and input supply. The average yield is about 550 kg per hectare.  For Tanzania, cotton is an important income source for over 400,000 farmers. In 2023, Tanzania’s cotton exports had reached approximately $104.73 million. This comprises a significant share of the country’s agricultural exports. The value was approximately $86.4 million in 2020. Tanzania’s cotton quality is good; much of its organic cotton is highly valued in international markets. Tanzanian cotton is highly regarded in countries with a higher value on organic and sustainably produced cotton. Cotton is a significant cash crop in Tanzania, with more than 500,000 households relying on it for their livelihood. Tanzania exports its cotton to several countries worldwide, including China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan. These include countries in Europe and North America, which are increasingly demanding eco-friendly and ethically produced textiles. These positive aspects show the path to take the initiative and point toward a future of economic growth and prosperity in the cotton industry.

 Tanzania’s cotton industry is not only a pillar of the country’s agricultural economy but also offers tremendous opportunities for sustainable development and growth. The combination of traditional and organic cotton farming provides diversified opportunities to investors and farmers alike. Despite the challenges of pest management, climate change, and high inputs, these issues can be mitigated through improved farming practices and sustainable measures. Investors and entrepreneurs play a central role in transforming the industry by promoting environmentally friendly business practices, improving infrastructure, and expanding market access.

1. What are the major issues faced by cotton producers in Tanzania?

Answer – Cotton producers in Tanzania face issues such as pest control, irregular weather patterns (drought and floods), and high input costs, as well as inadequate irrigation facilities. These are affecting yield and profitability.

2. How is Tanzania’s cotton industry performing in terms of producing organic cotton?

Answer -Tanzania has produced 16,000 tons of organic cotton in the 2019/2020 season, which accounts for 6.4% of total organic cotton produced globally. Tanzania ranks position 5 globally as far as the production of organic cotton is concerned.

3. What are the differences between organic and traditional cotton farming?

Answer -Traditional cotton cultivation employs chemical pesticides and fertilisers for increased production. Organic cotton cultivation, on the other hand, eschews such chemicals, opting instead for eco-friendly methods that promote soil fertility and biodiversity.

4. Why is sustainable cotton cultivation necessary in Tanzania?

Sustainable agriculture is necessary to maintain soil fertility, achieve long-term productivity, and enhance climate resilience. Farmers can reduce the application of pesticides and mitigate the impacts of climate change by practices such as integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture.

5. What should investors’ roles be in the growth of Tanzania’s cotton sector?

Answer – Investors can support programs that train farmers to implement current, climate-resilient agricultural practices, promoting sustainable cotton production. Investments in transport and storage infrastructure would also enhance higher output and exports, as well as improved market access.

6. What are the benefits of organic cotton farming for farmers?

Answer – Organic cotton farming offers higher market prices, improved sustainability, and greater long-term yields. It also lowers chemical reliance and provides better working conditions for farmers, with healthier ecosystems remaining intact.

7. What is the current situation of cotton exports in Tanzania?

Tanzania’s cotton exports reached a value of approximately $104.73 million in 2023, indicating growing demand for Tanzanian cotton, particularly organic cotton, in overseas markets such as China, India, and Europe.