Browsing: Overcoming Bottlenecks in Pulse Production in Tanzania

• Pulses are an important component of the global agrifood system and play a critical role in food security, nutrition, and economic development.
• Pulses refer to the edible seeds of leguminous plants, including beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas, among others. 
• In 2021, Tanzania’s exports of pulses were valued at over US$ 269 million, making it the leading pulses exporting country in Africa.

Tanzania is a leading producer of five commercially cultivated pulses: dry beans, chickpeas, pigeon peas, green grams, and cowpeas. These crops are grown in various regions of the country, including Manyara, Kagera, Kigoma, Mbeya, Mtwara, Dodoma, Njombe, Singida, and Mwanza. In addition, smaller quantities of bambara nuts and dry peas are also cultivated in Tanzania.

The country’s production of pulses is noteworthy, with an annual output of around 2 million tons. Dry beans are the largest contributor, accounting for 1.21 million tons, followed by pigeon peas (250,000 tons), chickpeas …