Tanzanian women farmers emerge as leaders in quality seed production and higher rice production

Good quality seed leads to good yield and produce, but it can also be a form of empowerment for others. In the coastal region of Pwani in Tanzania, the Twaweza (which means "we can" in Swahili) Women Group (TWG) is making waves in the Bagamoyo Irrigation and Development Project (BIDP) scheme.

Comprised of 15 women rice farmers from Sanzale Ward, Magomeni Division, Bagamoyo District, TWG has significantly improved Bagamoyo's rice production under the leadership of its chairperson, Ms. Barce Shabani.

Tanzania is one of the countries in Eastern and Southern Africa leading the region to quality declared seeds (QDS self-sufficiency, recording an annual production of 2.8 million tons in 2022. Despite this, yield gaps remain persistent due to limited access to quality inputs, poor agronomic practices, inadequate market linkages, and a heavy dependence on rainfed agriculture.

Traditionally, Tanzanian farmers rely on rice landraces like the Supa variety in rainfed lowland ecologies that produce only about 1.5 to 2.5 tons/hectare. Rice landraces are also late-maturing and susceptible to drought and other environmental stresses.

Climate change threatens the region's food security since Tanzania produces over 80% of the rice produced in East Africa. Although Supa is favored by consumers for its long and bold grain size and aroma, it yields much less than newly released improved rice varieties. Farmers in BIDP continue to plant Supa mainly because they lack awareness about improved varieties and have limited access to quality seeds.

A group of women farmers emerged as pivotal players in this challenging landscape, particularly in seed management and crop production. Their involvement became crucial in community seedbanks dedicated to preserving and improving crop varieties.

In 2023, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) facilitated the formation of TWG and supported the group's registration with local authorities. TWG, a merger of women farmers cultivating adjacent plots, encourages community discussions on seed production, water management, and weeding. IRRI also provided the group with quality seed production training sessions through cluster demonstration plots.

The chairperson of the TWG participated in a quality seed production training program certified by the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Inspectorate, which allowed its members to join the QDS production program. Their first significant achievement came during the 2023 dry season, when they produced 704 kilograms of QDS from almost half a hectare.

The seeds that TWG produces now meet 23% of the BIDP requirements. Profits from this venture enabled them to purchase an additional 600 kilograms of SARO 5 (TXD 306) seeds from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, significantly boosting their production capacity. TWG's quality seed production will benefit farmers within the BIDP in many ways, including easier access to QDS and the market and reduced production costs.

At present, TWG seed production has reduced seed costs and ensured that quality seeds are available on time for their fellow farmers in BIDP. Through their production and additional purchases, TWG has already made a significant impact by supplying 40% of the seed in the BIPD. The majority of the farms today grow SARO 5 instead of the old Supa-type, which increases their yield potential to 7.0 to 8.5 tons/hectare. This is about four times more than what the traditional variety can provide.

For the 2024 rainy season, the TWG aims to produce 2,000 kilograms of QDS seeds, covering 80% of the seasonal requirement. By 2026, they aspire to meet 100% of the seed needs, producing 6,000 kilograms of QDS annually.

From its humble beginnings, TWG has proven that, with determination and support, women can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable success. The group's journey from its formation to becoming a key seed supplier showcases its potential to transform not only lives but also the agricultural landscape of its community.

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