Abstract
The importance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as a food and cash crop in Eastern Africa, is increasing, but its value chain is becoming complex. In 2012/13, rice value chain analysis was conducted in rice farming systems of Lake, Eastern and Southern-Highlands zones of Tanzania. A sample of 240 producers, 60 traders and 30 processors was involved in the study. The aim of this study was to enhance rice actors with knowledge of the rice value chain, and identify feasible upgrading strategies. The study results revealed that rice was staple crop for more than 50% of the communities in Kilombero, Kyela and Mvomero districts; and less than 30% in Rorya, Mbarali and Maswa districts. It was also an important cash crop (79 - 100%) in all districts. About 44 and 61% of the total crop area cultivated per household, in lowland rainfed and irrigated ecosystems, respectively were under rice cultivation. SARO 5 was the only improved variety widely grown by 27% of farmers out of 32 varieties. Rice yield ranged from 1.5 to 4.3 t ha-1 and varied greatly by ecosystem and variety. About 61-93% of farmers sold their rice paddy to collectors, used non-standard measurements. Farmers profits ranged from US $ 206.63 to 994.85 per hectare. Producer’s share of selling rice ranged from 34 to 40%. This implies that upgrading strategies are required that can increase producers’ market share and improve competitiveness of rice value chain.Key Words: Lowland rainfed, Oryza sativa
Highlights
Of the four countries that participated in the Eastern Africa Agricultural Research Project (EAAPP), Tanzania is the Regional Rice Centre of Excellence with an estimation rice production of about 1.2 -1.4 million tonnes per year of milled rice, of which 95% is under rainfed system
Other Eastern Africa Agricultural Productivity Project (EAAPP) countries are Kenya with rice production of 33,000 - 50,000 metric tonnes per year, of which 95% is under irrigation system; Uganda 165,000 and 334,000 metric tonnes, of which 71% is upland rice; and Ethiopia with 498,332 tonnes in 2009 estimated to reach 1.8 million tons in 2014 and 4 million tonnes in 2019
About 90% of the rice production in Tanzania is by smallholder subsistence farmers and production concentrated in Mbeya, Morogoro, Iringa, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu and Pwani Regions (ACT and TAP, 2010; EAAPP, 2011)
Summary
Of the four countries that participated in the Eastern Africa Agricultural Research Project (EAAPP), Tanzania is the Regional Rice Centre of Excellence with an estimation rice production of about 1.2 -1.4 million tonnes per year of milled rice, of which 95% is under rainfed system. In Ethiopia, rice area increased by 156,000 ha in 2009 to 464,000 in 2014; and was estimated to reach 774,000 ha in 2019, from 20 million ha under rainfed system and only 3.7 million ha under irrigation (EG, 2009; Emongór et al, 2009; MAFC, 2009; UG, 2009). This rice value chain analysis was an entry point for rice value chain upgrading. Information on prices, marketing margins, extent of competition, production costs is insufficient, making value chain upgrading recommendations challenging
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