Tanzania Records 130% Food Self-Sufficiency Amid Rise in Crop Output

Tanzania has achieved a 130 per cent food self-sufficiency rate following a significant increase in agricultural production during the 2024/2025 farming season, the government has said.

The Minister of Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the ministry’s budget proposals for the 2026/2027 financial year before parliament in Dodoma.

He said total food crop production rose to 23,783,128 tonnes in 2024/2025, up from 22,803,316 tonnes in the previous season, representing a 4.3 per cent increase.

According to him, cereal production reached 14,924,582 tonnes, a 2.3 per cent rise, while non-cereal food crops grew more strongly by 7.8 per cent to 8,858,546 tonnes.

Chongolo explained that total food output for the season exceeded national consumption needs, estimated at 18,279,054 tonnes for the 2025/2026 period, leaving a surplus of 5,504,074 tonnes.

“As a result, the country has achieved food self-sufficiency of 130 per cent,” he said, attributing the performance to improved yields and favourable production conditions.

He added that the surplus would help strengthen food security, stabilise domestic markets, and support agricultural exports.