Tanzania is seeking closer cooperation with Canada to modernise its agricultural sector and reduce reliance on rising food imports, as authorities look to boost domestic production and strengthen value chains.
The initiative follows talks in the capital Dodoma on April 15 between Deputy Agriculture Minister David Silinde and a delegation from the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.
Discussions focused on attracting investment and leveraging Canadian expertise in key areas including irrigation, mechanisation, technology transfer and agricultural value chain development, according to officials.
Tanzanian authorities say these areas are critical to improving productivity and efficiency in a sector that employs the majority of the population but remains constrained by low yields and limited infrastructure.
The renewed push comes as the country faces increasing dependence on imports of staple foods, particularly wheat, highlighting structural gaps in domestic production.
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According to projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tanzania’s wheat imports are expected to reach about 1.5 million tonnes in the 2025/2026 marketing season.
If confirmed, this would mark a third consecutive annual increase since the 2023/2024 season, representing a rise of roughly 36 percent over the period.
The growing import bill reflects strong domestic demand driven by population growth and changing consumption patterns, but also underscores the challenges facing local farmers in scaling up production.
Limited irrigation coverage, reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and low levels of mechanisation have constrained output, leaving the country vulnerable to external supply shocks and price volatility.
Officials say strengthening partnerships with countries such as Canada could help address these constraints by facilitating access to modern farming technologies, improved seeds and advanced production techniques.
Canada is a major player in global agriculture, particularly in wheat production and exports. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, it ranks among the world’s leading producers, with average annual output of about 30 million tonnes in recent years.
It is also one of the top global exporters, making it a key partner for countries seeking both supply security and technical expertise in grain production systems.
Beyond wheat, Tanzanian authorities are also looking to reduce reliance on imports of oilseeds and other agricultural commodities by expanding domestic cultivation and improving processing capacity.
The government has identified agriculture as a central pillar of its economic transformation strategy, with a focus on increasing productivity, enhancing food security and boosting agro-industrial development.
Analysts say that while international partnerships can play an important role, long-term success will depend on sustained investment in infrastructure, rural financing, extension services and market access.
They add that improving storage, transport and processing systems will be essential to reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening the entire agricultural value chain.
The engagement with Canada reflects a broader trend among African economies seeking to leverage global expertise and capital to modernise agriculture and reduce dependence on imports.
For Tanzania, the challenge will be translating these discussions into concrete investments and measurable gains in productivity, as it seeks to build a more resilient and self-sufficient food system.
