PROSPECTS FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN TANZANIA By E. R. Mbiha et.al.

Introduction Trade in organic products in East Africa has been growing steadily. However compared to other continents the rate is not very encouraging. Tanzania has a wide range of organic products: vegetables, spices, cereals, edible oils, medicinal plants, jams, honey, drinks etc. Both processed and unprocessed products are found in the local organic markets in Tanzania. Supply sources include local and from neighboring countries such as Uganda, Kenya and South Africa.

Organic Agriculture in Brief According to Codex Alimentarius “Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including bio-diversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity……………” Organic farming therefore may encompass non certified practices. Many farmers in our traditional systems may be practicing organic techniques although not certified. Non certified organic agriculture is not necessarily a deliberate choice between certification or otherwise but may be due to lack of access to purchased inputs. However this excludes negligent systems that may lead to environmental degradation and can create externalities related to spread of noxious weeds, pests and diseases.

ORGANIC PRODUCTS CERTIFICATION Whatever the motivation an organic farm reflects an intentional management system in which a producer manages resources according to organic principles. International basic principles: Codex Alimentarius; IFOAM Importing country requirements: e.g. Europe (Regulation 834/07); United States (NOP) Individual private sector requirements applicable in the importing country Regional standards developed by exporting countries in the region e.g. East African Organic Standard National standards, e.g. TOAM National organic certifier e.g. TanCert Promoting/Facilitating Agencies e.g. EPOPA, Producer’s organizations Processors Producers

SUPPLY PROSPECTS The total organically managed area worldwide is about 22 million Ha. Area certified as wild harvested plants is 10.7 million Ha. In Africa more than 200,000 Ha = 1% of the total world area = 10% of the total number of farms. In Tanzania data is scantly available but based on preliminary field results under this project organic farmers seem to have better socio- economic indicators as well as resource and agronomic practices. We however observed some mixed results with regard to price and incomes due to a number of reasons outlined elsewhere. To invest in organic farming, connections to reliable and well paying markets is essential. In Tanzania infrastructure and logistics will still constrain producers and reduce competitiveness in a world where competition and stringent consumer demands are increasing.

DEMAND PROSPECTS Major markets: Europe, North America Demand is growing worldwide (this includes developing countries) Tanzania participation in world organic trade is relatively very small. Tanzania consumer market is small. Local consumers buy for health reasons and are mainly elite class and expatriates. For the local market there is need to enhance growth in consumption by creating consumer awareness.

Policy Issues in the organic Sector To support organic agriculture public private partnership is needed. The public sector is required to deliver public services such as research, extension and regulation. The private sectors have a facilitating role. These include producer organizations and NGOs. Private sectors undertake to organize farmers into groups, link producers to markets, training and credit opportunities and certifying agencies

Policy Issues in the organic Sector Knowledge development and consultations: Low investment in ecological agricultural research, adaptation of agricultural extension services to the requirements of organic methods and marketing. Political Support: Less interest given by government, established science and chemical interests; political advantage of non-organic farming. Economic support: The use of chemical inputs is still supported to the extent of seeing initiatives to encourage increased use and in some cases subsidization.

Conclusion It is necessary to explore the potential of organic farming and devise policy interventions to support its growth. To enjoy premium prices compliance with standards to enable penetration to high value markets is necessary. Both forward and backward vertical integration are important to the industry: to expand into export markets and in solving supply side problems. Forward integration opens up avenues for cooperation between “northern” and “southern” entrepreneurs. Success depends on the strengthening of all requisite institutions in the sub sector including promotion of a competitive supply chain.