Regional Markets

3 Cases
Photo: ©FAO/Daniel Hayduk / FAO
3.7 Horticulture Development in Tanzania
Jacqueline Mkindi, Amani Temu, and Aad van Tilburg
Introduction
The horticultural industry is the fastest growing subsector of the Tanzanian national
economy, with a growth rate of 8–10% per annum. It encompasses the production, processing
and marketing of flowers, fruits, vegetables, seeds, spices and herbs. The subsector
has been recognised as a powerful engine for socio-economic growth and a significant
contributor to the alleviation of rural poverty. Horticulture contributes extensively
to food, income, health and employment security in the country. The industry generates
more than USD 358 million per year, and it offers direct employment to about 350,000
Tanzanians. The subsector has registered tremendous growth in the past three years,
but there is still vast untapped potential in the industry. Recent market research—conducted
by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) at the local, regional and
international levels—revealed that there is large global demand for horticultural produce,
mainly fruits and vegetables. If Tanzania is to secure a strong position in the
global horticultural markets, it has to create the necessary soft and hard market support
infrastructure (e.g., efficient market systems, structures, institutions and supportive policies).
Farmers also need to be empowered with the right knowledge on horticultural
business operations and proper farming methods (TAHA, 2012).
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