Sunflower seeds market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Tanzania's sunflower seed market volume grew steadily from 1.0 million tonnes to 1.17 million tonnes. This expansion was primarily driven by sustained government support, including the subsidization of improved seeds by the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) and the implementation of national strategies like the Agriculture Sector Development Program (ASDP II). These measures aimed directly at increasing productivity by promoting higher-yielding hybrid seed varieties and better farming techniques among smallholders.

Key development programs from organizations like the Agricultural Markets Development Trust (AMDT) and MVIWATA provided crucial momentum. AMDT distributed Advanta hybrid seeds and training in regions such as Dodoma and Singida, while MVIWATA's launch of an organic sunflower production initiative in 2020 offered farmers new market opportunities and helped reduce the country's reliance on imported edible oil. These interventions collectively improved seed availability and agricultural practices, translating into higher harvests.

Growing consumer awareness of the health benefits of sunflower oil bolstered local and export demand for the raw seeds. In response, the government designated Dodoma, Singida, and Manyara as strategic zones for quality seed production. Continued focus on introducing drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties, alongside efforts to scale up farming operations, supported further production increases despite persistent challenges like access to credit.

Production sunflower seeds in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Tanzania ranked as the 11th largest producer of sunflower seeds during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower seeds, 2017-2020

Tanzania's sunflower seed production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 075 thousand tonnes of sunflower seeds, marking a modest rise of 3.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production grew by 8.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports sunflower seeds from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 254 tonnes, while the highest volume was recorded in 2017, reflecting an 11.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tanzania exported 2 618 tonnes of sunflower seeds, representing a dramatic increase of 705.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 91.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania's exports of sunflower seeds were heavily dependent on Kenya, which accounted for 90.9% of total exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Sunflower seed exports from Tanzania increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 642 thousand US dollars, showing a gain of 63.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 25.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 234 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 54.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 67.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tanzania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Kenya, the Netherlands, and the United States were the main markets for Tanzania's sunflower seed exports in value terms. Kenya accounted for 41.6% of exports, the Netherlands for 35.4%, and the United States for 10.9%, collectively representing 87.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Tanzania in value, 2017-2020

Imports sunflower seeds to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 792 tonnes, while peaking in 2017, with a 7.1-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Tanzania imported 1 074 tonnes of sunflower seeds, up by 35.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 82.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Malawi accounted for 74.4% of Tanzania's total imports of sunflower seeds in volume terms, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 326 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020, showing a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tanzania imported sunflower seeds worth 642 thousand US dollars, marking a steep increase of 307.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 57.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tanzania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Chile, Malawi, and China formed the key group of partners for Tanzania's sunflower seed imports in value terms. Chile accounted for 28.8% of imports, Malawi for 26.0%, and China for 22.7%, jointly representing 77.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Tanzania in value, 2017-2020