Tanzania organic cotton gaining global market interest.
Growing call for ethical sourcing is boosting demand for Tanzani cotton.
Tanzania is looking to increase cotton output by five-fold.

The Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB) is looking to raise average cotton production from current 200 to 1,000 kilogrammes per acre in the coming months to meet growing global demand.

At the moment, Tanzania‘s cotton output for the 2025/26 season is forecast to enjoy a 48% rebound to an estimated 222,057 tonnes. According to the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB), the country is the largest organic cotton producer in Africa.

The country is now seeking to expand its output of organic cotton, aiming at a five fold increase in yield through adoption of improved farming technologies and fertiliser use, explains Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB) Agriculture Officer, Mr. Dotto Charles.

“Higher productivity will improve farm profitability, raise rural incomes and strengthen the cotton sector’s contribution to the national economy,” he said.

Speaking at training farm during the Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition in Mwanza Region, the TCB Agriculture Officer said the country has embarked on nationwide farmers’ training on the adoption of modern cotton production techniques and technologies.

“We have created model farms that clearly demonstrate the difference between conventional farming methods and the proper use of fertilisers and modern technologies. Farmers can see the results for themselves and understand how productivity can be increased,” Charles said.

He underlined the fact that the board’s objective is to help farmers transition from low yield production systems to more efficient and commercially viable farming practices capable of delivering higher returns and improved quality of cotton output.

The agro-specialist said improved agronomic practices increase output, enhance fibre quality, and as a result command higher market prices and enable farmers to secure better returns. “By improving our output and the quality of our cotton, we will strengthen Tanzania’s position in regional and international cotton markets,” he said.

He reassured farmers that the market for quality cotton is reliable and growing, adding that the board is working closely with buyers and other industry stakeholders to secure market for the produce. “Cotton farmers now have a market guarantee … we ensure that all cotton produced is not only bought but bought at competitive market rices,” he underlined.

On the same note, Tanzania cotton farmers have been challenged to adopt modern agricultural practices if they are to increase productivity and improve the quality of their crops and final product.

Cotton Board Agricultural Officer Onesmo Kiwango listed some 10 principles of good cotton farming practice that help increase production and acquire higher yields. These principles include preparing farms early, applying farmyard manure, use of organic fertilisers, planting organic seeds and improving soil fertility all of which improve productivity.

Others are, planting the recommended number of seeds per hole, thinning seedlings appropriately and timely weeding. “A farmer should plant five seeds in each hole if the seeds still have lint attached and three seeds per hole if the lint has been removed,” he said.

“Another important practice is the proper application of pesticides to control destructive pests that threaten crops in the field,” he explained. “Farmers who use farmyard manure benefit greatly because it contains essential nutrients required by cotton plants and helps maintain soil fertility over a long period.”

Early land preparation for best Tanzania organic cotton

Then there is the matter of early land preparation which he said allows leaves and other organic matter to decompose and mix with the soil ultimately improving fertility and enhancing the soil’s ability to retain moisture for planting. He emphasised use of organic fertilisers which he said improves soil structure, increase water-retention capacity and enables farmers to harvest more cotton.

The expert advised farmers to plant cotton immediately after the onset of rains or just as the rainfall season is expected to start to ensure proper crop establishment and maturity.

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Tanzania cotton export scope, ethical farming of organic crop

Cotton is Tanzania’s largest export crop after coffee. The country exports an estimated $83 million of raw cotton annually ranking it as the 17th largest raw cotton exporter globally.

Tanzania’s organic cotton export competitors, the top five production countries of organic cotton which make up 89% of global organic cotton production are India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Tajikistan.

According to TCB, most all of Tanzania’s cotton is exported and contributes over $90 million to the country’s export earnings every year.

Cotton farming provides employment to an estimated 500,000 rural households. Now, the environmental impact of conventional cotton farming has prompted a shift among global fashion and retail brands towards organic, sustainable sourcing which has greatly impacted Tanzania’s coton sales.

According to a cotton sector analysis by Lennox Yieke; “Demand has been rising steadily, and Tanzania has emerged as one of the world’s prime suppliers…but climate change threatens an industry that could be worth $2bn.”

In his most recent report titled ‘Switch to ethical sourcing rises global demand for Tanzania’s organic cotton’ that was released earlier this month, Tanzania’s Simiyu Region is the epicentre of organic cotton farming in Tanzania.

Seconding the report analysis, Anamringi Macha, Simiyu’s Regional Commissioner, says organic cotton output has significantly increased over the past few years.

He exlpained that ethical sourcing is helping boost the production of organic cotton. Notably, organic cotton differs from conventional cotton for the simple fact that it is cultivated exclusively from non-genetically modified seeds and without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers.

“Farmers rely instead on natural processes like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil fertility and protect local ecosystems,” he detailed.

According to the RC, cotton farmers in Tanzania, typically operate through cooperatives, whilst certification is handled by independent auditors under international organic standards.

On the other hand, conventional cotton relies on monoculture, that is, planting cotton on the same land year after year and uses synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.

“Over time, this degrades the soil and adversely impacts its ability to retain water,” he noted.

As a result, the steep environmental toll of conventional cotton farming has prompted a shift among global fashion and retail brands towards sustainable sourcing.

As a result, demand for organic cotton has grown steadily over the years, with Tanzania emerging as a key supplier to international buyers seeking ethically produced fibre. The country is now working to capitalize on this growing demand and is expected to increase its growth by fivefold over the coming year.