1. Overview of Improved Seed Production in Tanzania
Firmin Mizambwa
Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA)
P O Box 364, Morogoro

2. OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION
Introduction: Tanzanian Seed industry development
Section I: Current status of seed production
Section II: Strategies to develop vibrant seed industry
Summary: Take away message(s)

3. INTRODUCTION
Source: Computed from FAOSTAT data

4. SEED INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
In 1969, USAID carried out studies to enable Tanzania to establish a formal seed sector that would include breeding, multiplication, processing, certification and distribution of seeds.
As a results of the above study, the formal seed sub-sector in Tanzania was established in 1973 during which the following were established:
The seed Act No. 29 of 1973 was enacted;
Tanzania Seed Company Limited (TANSEED) was formed;
Tanzania Official Seed Certification Agency -TOSCA was established to regulate quality of seeds;
Four Government foundation Seed farms established (Kilangali, Arusha, Msimba and Dabaga);
Human resources capacity building was undertaken through training.

5. Seed industry development….
In 1989, the Government launched the National Seed Industry Development Programme which was in line with the World Economic Reform agenda which emphasized moving from State controlled economy to free market economy.
Private seed companies were allowed to operate in the country.

6. Seed industry development….
During its operations, TANSEED faced problems resulting in decline of sales, huge financial losses, and consequently its collapse. The problems include:
Unavailability of preferred varieties,
Low adoption rate of new and improved certified seeds by farmers,
Poor reputation due to delivery of poor quality seeds,
Inadequate marketing promotion,
Lack of managerial skills.

7. Seed industry development….
In an attempt to cover the shortage created by the demise of TANSEED, The Government with the support of DANIDA established on farm seed production (QDS) in 1998.
Despite of all the efforts, still the demand of the improved seeds in Tanzania was not met.

8. GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO INCREASE AVAILABILITY OF IMPROVED SEEDS
Establishment of Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) in June 2006
Key functions of ASA
To produce, process and market both basic and certified seeds,
To promote private sector participation in seed production,
To promote the use of improved seeds,
To strengthen collaboration with research institutes on matters related to availability of new crop varieties.

9. The Seed Multiplication Process
Often a new variety is only one single plant.
Therefore once a new variety has been bred, efforts need to be undertaken that the farmers can quickly make use of this variety for commercial food production.
This will be achieved through a seed multiplication process over a number of generations to receive the desired variety in large quantities.

10. Seed Multiplication Breeders Seed Pre-basic Seed Basic Seed
Certified Seed (1st Generation)
Certified Seed
2nd Generation)

11. The Seed Multiplication Process
During the seed multiplication process it needs to be assured after each multiplication step, that the identity and the purity of that variety is kept and that the multiplied seed has the potential to produce a healthy plant.
This is assured through a seed certification programme.

12. SEED PRODUCTION ARRANGEMENTS
Using ASA/private companies farms
Using contract growers

13. Available SEEDS Private Seed companies ASA
Maize (mainly hybrid), vegetable seeds and small quantities of Sunflower, sorghum, and rice
Maize, rice, sorghum, beans, sunflower, wheat, cowpeas, pigeon peas, soya beans, sesame, fruit seedlings and cassava cuttings

14. SEED DEMAND VS SEED SUPPLY IN TANZANIA
Potential demand is over 120,000 MT per year
Effective demand is estimated at 60,000 MT per year
But average supply is only 14,8876 MT Per year

15. Certified Seeds availability
Crop Season
Quantity of
seeds (MT)
2003/04
10,650
2004/05
10,134
2005/06
10,476
2006/07
16,526
2007/08
16,811
2008/09
11,429
2009/10
16,518
2010/11
26,544
Average
14,8876

16. MAIN CHALLENGES FACING THE SEED INDUSTRY
Production challenges
Low investment in seed production
Dependence on importation of seeds (dependence of foreign companies)
Difficulties to access loan for the local seed companies
Dependence of rainfed agriculture in seed production

17. Marketing & sales challenges
Main challenges….
Marketing & sales challenges
Distribution networks
Fake seeds
Low levels of use of improved seeds by farmers

18. Policy related challenges
Main challenges…
Policy related challenges
Influence of outside policies (Donor policies, EAC & SADC policies)
Our local policies

19. Strategies to develop vibrant seed industry
Production strategies
To provide adequate investment in the seed industry
Promote local seed production
To Promote local seed sector
To invest in irrigated agriculture

20. Strategies to develop….
Marketing & sales strategies
To develop sustainable & reliable seed distribution networks
To strengthening the enforcement of the seed Act on fake seeds
To develop a clear plans of promoting the se of improved seeds

21. Strategies to develop….
Policy related issues
To consistently consider and align outside policies towards developing vibrant seed industry
Review policies for promote investment in the seed industry

22. SUMMARY/TAKE HOME MESSAGE(S)
There is very huge potential for Tanzania to develop vibrant and sustainable seed industry; and therefore
Deliberate efforts are required to promote investment in the seed industry to produce enough seeds for local and foreign markets;
Joint efforts between public and private sectors are required to promote the use of improved seeds.

23. Thank you for your attention