Dodoma Grape-Processing Plants Rise From Five to 39 as Demand Tightens Supply

Processing base expands ninefold

The number of grape-processing factories in Tanzania’s Dodoma Region has increased from five to 39 over the past nine years, expanding the market available to growers and increasing local production of wine and juice. Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said the plants range from large industrial facilities to small-scale operations.

Speaking during the National Farmers’ Day, or Nanenane, celebrations at the Dr John Malecela grounds in Nzuguni, Senyamule attributed the expansion to government efforts to attract investment and promote value addition in agriculture. Daily News reported that the increase has substantially reduced complaints from farmers who previously struggled to find buyers before grapes spoiled in the fields.

Processor demand begins to strain grape supply

The regional push accelerated after residents raised concerns about unreliable grape markets during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to Mpunguzi in 2022. At that time, Dodoma had only five factories producing wine and juice. The limited processing base left growers exposed to post-harvest losses because fresh grapes had to be sold quickly.

The situation has since reversed, according to Senyamule. She said market complaints have declined as factories have multiplied, while grapes are now becoming scarce because processors require more raw material. The regional government plans to continue supporting the industry as one of Dodoma’s flagship economic activities and is encouraging farmers to expand production to meet factory demand. For growers, the additional plants offer more potential buyers and a larger local outlet for a perishable crop. For processors, however, tighter grape availability could limit plant utilisation unless vineyard output keeps pace with installed capacity.

Apple programme targets imports and household income

Dodoma is also promoting apples as an alternative commercial crop to diversify household earnings and reduce dependence on seasonal production. Research conducted by the regional authorities with agricultural experts found that three apple varieties could grow successfully under Dodoma’s conditions. Demonstration plots have been established in every district to train farmers, while participating households are being provided with at least three apple seedlings each.

The initiative also has an import-substitution objective. Senyamule cited Tanzania Revenue Authority figures showing that the country spends about 23 billion shillings annually on apple imports. Higher domestic output could retain part of that expenditure in Tanzania, although the source did not provide production targets, implementation timelines or expected yields from the selected varieties.

Income gap keeps pressure on agricultural policy

Value-added agriculture is central to Dodoma’s effort to raise household income. Senyamule said 2023 statistics placed regional per capita income at 1.7 million shillings, compared with a national average of 2.5 million shillings. That gap helps explain the focus on processing, crop diversification and additional sources of income after seasonal harvests. The grape industry’s immediate challenge is now to align farm production with the much larger processing network, while the apple programme must move from demonstration plots and household seedlings toward commercially meaningful volumes.