TANZANIA: TANZANIA’S ambitions to expand agricultural exports and secure greater access to high-value international markets are receiving a significant boost through investments in modern plant health systems supported by the European Union (EU) under the Strengthening Phytosanitary Capacity in Tanzania (STREPHIT) project.
The initiative, funded by the EU and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania, aims to strengthen the country’s phytosanitary infrastructure, improve pest surveillance and diagnostic systems, and ensure compliance with international trade requirements.
The project is expected to enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets while protecting food security and livelihoods.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, employing nearly 60 per cent of the population and contributing about one-third of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The sector also serves as a major source of foreign exchange earnings, with exports of horticultural products, coffee, tea, spices, cashew nuts and other agricultural commodities playing a crucial role in economic growth.
However, accessing premium international markets requires strict compliance with phytosanitary standards, which are designed to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases across borders.
Failure to meet these standards can result in costly export rejections, loss of market opportunities and reduced confidence among trading partners.
Currently, Tanzania exports agricultural products worth approximately EURO 546 million annually to the European Union, representing more than half of the country’s total exports to the bloc.
Experts believe that strengthening plant health systems is critical not only for maintaining these export levels but also for unlocking new trade opportunities.
During a recent visit to the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) in Arusha, EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Ms Christine Grau, said the EU’s investment in plant health infrastructure is directly linked to improving agricultural productivity, market access and economic development.
“By strengthening plant health systems, we are helping farmers and exporters meet international standards, improve compliance and access highervalue markets,” she said.
The STREPHIT project focuses on modernising Tanzania’s phytosanitary services through strategic investments in laboratory infrastructure, surveillance systems, digital technologies and human capacity development.
One of its major components involves the rehabilitation and upgrading of eight key plant health laboratories across the country.
These laboratories play a crucial role in detecting, identifying and analysing plant pests and diseases that threaten agricultural production and international trade.
Improved laboratory facilities will enable faster and more accurate diagnosis, allowing authorities to respond quickly to emerging threats and minimise disruptions to agricultural exports.
In addition to the rehabilitation of major laboratories, the project is supporting the installation of 20 mini-laboratories at strategic border points.
These facilities will strengthen inspection services and facilitate the rapid testing of plant products entering or leaving the country.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce delays in export certification processes while enhancing Tanzania’s ability to comply with international phytosanitary requirements.
Faster and more reliable testing will also help reduce the risk of export consignments being rejected in destination markets.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector note that inadequate diagnostic capacity and weak surveillance systems remain among the key challenges affecting agricultural trade in many developing countries.
Outbreaks of pests and diseases can spread rapidly if not detected early, causing substantial losses to farmers and threatening food security.
The STREPHIT project seeks to address these challenges by introducing modern digital surveillance tools that support real-time monitoring and reporting of plant health threats.
The use of digital technologies will improve the collection, analysis and sharing of information, enabling authorities to detect pest outbreaks earlier and coordinate responses more effectively.
According to experts, early warning systems are becoming increasingly important as climate change alters pest behaviour and creates conditions that favour the emergence and spread of invasive species.
Enhanced surveillance systems will therefore play a critical role in protecting both agricultural production and export earnings.
TPHPA Director General, Professor Joseph Ndunguru, said the project represents a major milestone in strengthening Tanzania’s plant health regulatory framework.
“As Tanzania continues to expand its agricultural exports, the need for reliable and internationally aligned laboratory infrastructure has become increasingly important. These investments represent a major step in strengthening our diagnostic and regulatory capacity,” he said.
He noted that stronger phytosanitary systems will not only support export growth but also protect local agricultural production from pests and diseases that can reduce yields and threaten livelihoods.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project is investing in training and capacity building for plant health professionals, laboratory technicians and inspectors.
Strengthening human resources is considered essential for ensuring the sustainability of the investments and maintaining internationally recognised standards.
FAO Representative to Tanzania, Nyabenyi Tipo, said the initiative is designed to create long-term benefits for the agricultural sector by building resilient systems capable of responding to future challenges.
“This is about positioning Tanzania’s agriculture for the future, ensuring that farmers, traders and exporters can compete effectively while safeguarding food systems,” she said.
She added that improved plant health systems contribute directly to food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability by supporting safer and more efficient agricultural production.
The EU’s support through the STREPHIT project forms part of its broader Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to promote sustainable investment and strengthen economic partnerships with developing countries.
Through this approach, the EU is supporting infrastructure development, trade facilitation and value chain improvements that create opportunities for inclusive growth.
Agricultural experts believe that improved phytosanitary systems could help Tanzania expand exports of horticultural products, spices, fruits, vegetables and other high-value crops that have growing demand in international markets.
Enhanced compliance with global standards could also open access to new destinations while strengthening Tanzania’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe agricultural products.
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The benefits are expected to extend beyond exporters to smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of agricultural producers in the country.
Better pest management, improved disease control and stronger inspection services can contribute to higher productivity, reduced post-harvest losses and increased incomes.
As global demand for safe, traceable and sustainably produced food continues to rise, investment in plant health systems is increasingly recognised as a strategic priority. Strong phytosanitary services not only facilitate trade but also help safeguard national food systems and protect agricultural livelihoods.
With the STREPHIT project continuing to roll out across the country, stakeholders remain optimistic that the initiative will strengthen Tanzania’s position in international agricultural markets, boost export earnings and contribute to long-term economic development.
Through improved infrastructure, modern technologies and enhanced technical capacity, the project is laying the foundation for a more competitive and resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting the demands of global trade.