China and Tanzania have established strong partnerships across various sectors, with agriculture being a primary focus. Agriculture remains a crucial pillar of the economy in many African nations. Despite the growth in sectors like tourism, mining, and trade in recent years, agriculture continues to be a major source of livelihood for many Tanzanians, employing a large portion of the population. The fight against poverty in African countries cannot be effectively addressed without significant investments in agriculture.
Following the death of Mao Zedong in 1979, China underwent an economic transformation under Deng Xiaoping’s leadership. Deng emphasized economic reforms rather than political changes, which spurred China’s rapid economic growth, improved living conditions, and opened its economy to the world. This marked China’s second economic revolution, influencing its political and economic ties with African countries. Tanzania regarded China as a key ally that supported its liberation efforts, fostering stronger bilateral relations.
The collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe shifted global politics, ending the Cold War between the East and West. Many African countries with socialist-leaning policies adjusted their approaches to avoid economic challenges. Tanzania transitioned from socialism towards capitalist policies, even though it maintained a socialist identity in political discourse, while in practice it adopted a capitalist economic framework.
Tanzania aims to improve its agricultural sector to boost productivity and sustainability, as it contributes around half of the national GDP, three-quarters of export goods, and remains the main source of food and employment for its population. China has played a critical role in this effort. The agricultural sector also provides the majority of the country’s food supply, although crop yields vary depending on rainfall.
China’s support for Tanzania’s agricultural and rural development has been extensive, dating back to economic and technical cooperation agreements signed in 1964. Between 1964 and 1970, China funded multiple projects, including the Ruvu and Upenja state farms, the Friendship Textile Mill, Ubungo Farm Machinery Plant, Mbarali Rice Farm, Mahonda Sugarcane Farm in Zanzibar, and several farmer training centers. Chinese teams continued to engage in agricultural projects over the years, even as Tanzania began privatizing public enterprises, though there was limited Chinese interest in acquiring these assets.
In recent years, China has supported two major projects: the creation of an Agricultural Technology Demonstration and Research Center in Dakawa, Morogoro, and a small-scale technical assistance program. Furthermore, many Tanzanians have pursued higher education and short agricultural courses in China. China’s contributions in providing technology, investment, and expertise have been vital, and the Dakawa Agricultural Technology Training Center has significantly benefited Tanzania’s agriculture.
China’s influence in advancing Tanzania’s agricultural sector extends through technical training, introducing modern farming methods, and supplying machinery. According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2017 Ecological Agriculture Zones guidelines, Tanzania has vast arable land capable of producing diverse crops across seven major agricultural zones. However, only around 24% of the 44 million hectares suitable for farming are cultivated annually, primarily by smallholder farmers engaged in subsistence farming on plots between 0.2 and 2.0 hectares. Key food crops include maize, cassava, rice, and sorghum, while major cash crops include cashews, sugarcane, cotton, and coffee. Production often fluctuates due to poor farming practices, including growing crops outside their optimal ecological conditions.
There is great potential for China to increase its agricultural investments in Tanzania, which could foster economic and trade growth for both countries. Investing in Tanzania’s agricultural sector is crucial, as the country has vast fertile land that can support rapid economic expansion. Therefore, the Tanzanian government should prioritize agricultural collaboration with China, building on China’s success in the sector since the 1978 economic reforms led by Deng Xiaoping, which ended collective farming systems.
Tanzania possesses over 44 million hectares of arable land, yet only a limited area is under cultivation. This offers a substantial opportunity to boost agricultural output, particularly through improved land management techniques. Strengthening agricultural partnerships presents immense possibilities, especially given the large expanses of uncultivated land.
The major challenge for Tanzania’s agricultural sector lies in the reliance on smallholder farmers who use traditional farming methods and depend heavily on rainfall rather than irrigation. Other issues include poor infrastructure in farming areas, limited access to modern seeds, and a lack of agricultural expertise. Smallholder farmers primarily focus on subsistence farming to meet the basic needs of their families and communities. This situation is worsened by the absence of comprehensive agricultural plans, making it essential for the government to strengthen agricultural cooperation with China to achieve sustainable development.
The increasing temperatures caused by climate change in Tanzania could result in a surge in pests, parasites, and diseases that affect crops and livestock, posing a significant threat to the country’s agricultural sector. To control these problems, farmers may need to rely more heavily on pesticides, which would drive up costs and potentially reduce their yields. Agriculture plays a crucial role in Tanzania’s economy, with many households and jobs depending on it. Small-scale farmers are key contributors to agricultural production, making it vital for them to receive support to ensure food security in the country. Strengthening cooperation with China in this area is essential for improving agricultural output and boosting productivity in cash crops.
While some environmental challenges, such as droughts or floods, are beyond a farmer’s control, there are steps they can take to reduce their impact. For example, using drought-resistant seeds or planting cover crops can help farmer’s better cope with these issues. By staying informed about potential environmental risks, farmers can better prepare themselves to face them. Overgrazing and poor land management practices are serious environmental concerns that can have damaging effects. Although having large herds of cattle and goats can be an advantage for farmers, when livestock numbers exceed the land’s natural capacity, this can lead to significant environmental harm. Additionally, pollution and illegal exploitation of wildlife must be tackled to protect the environment. Collaborating with nations like China, which has made significant strides in agriculture, is crucial to fostering positive changes in this sector. Boost agricultural growth and enhance productivity in the production of commercial crops.
In conclusion, deepening agricultural cooperation between China and Tanzania presents great potential for the development of both nations. For instance, the export of avocados to China has significantly improved the livelihoods of Tanzanian farmers. The Tanzanian government should continue to emphasize this partnership, as it has in other sectors like defense, infrastructure, and education. While efforts in agriculture are ongoing, they have yet to yield large-scale results due to limited investments in irrigation systems and modern farming technologies aligned with global standards.
