Tanzania pushes date palm cultivation toward commercial growth

TANZANIA – Tanzania is intensifying efforts to develop date palm cultivation as a commercial crop, aiming to improve food security, create rural jobs, and offer farmers a drought-resilient option.

A Draft Agricultural Training Manual on Date Palm Production in Tanzania has been validated, setting the stage for large-scale, scientifically guided farming in semi-arid regions.

The manual was reviewed at a two-day workshop in Dodoma, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI).

TARI Mlingano researcher and National Project Coordinator Dr Nicholaus Kuboja said, “Date palm farming is new in its structured form. The crop exists, but it has not been cultivated scientifically or commercially. This project is about turning that potential into real economic value for Tanzanians.”

Dr Kuboja added that the crop thrives in dry conditions and can provide a steady income for smallholder farmers facing changing climate patterns and recurring droughts.

The manual covers the full date palm value chain, including seed selection, irrigation, fertiliser application, harvesting, quality standards, and marketing. It was developed with the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Irrigation Commission, Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute, Agricultural Seed Agency, and Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority.

FAO technical specialist Tabu Likoko said, “Date palms can grow in many parts of the country, but producing high-quality commercial dates requires adherence to specific standards and proper management practices. That is why this guideline is critical.”

Support from Saudi Arabia and global partners

The initiative is part of the project “Emergency and resilience-building support for smallholder farmers affected by drought through exploratory date palm cultivation in Tanzania,” financed by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre with $3.2 million (USD) in funding.

During a 2025 visit to the FAO project site at TARI Chambezi Substation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Tanzania, Yahya bin Ahmed Okeish, reaffirmed support. “We will continue providing technical assistance and empowering farmers to ensure Tanzania produces high-quality date palm products,” he said.

FAO Country Representative Dr Nyabenyi Tipo noted that the partnership with Saudi Arabia has helped expand sustainable date palm farming in central and northern Tanzania.

Cotton investment draws international interest

Tanzania’s cotton industry is also attracting attention from foreign investors. Turkish textile companies have expressed readiness to visit the country to explore production opportunities and potential partnerships with local manufacturers.

Tanzanian Ambassador to Türkiye Iddi Seif Bakari said, “The government has continued improving cotton production by distributing fertilizers, providing better seeds, and creating a favorable environment for investors. Special Economic Zones are helping drive industrial growth, create jobs, and boost exports.”

He noted that Tanzania remains one of Africa’s leading cotton producers, with output expected to exceed 450,000 tonnes in the 2025/2026 season. Turkish investors are preparing a working visit to identify areas for collaboration and investment.

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