Seeds of Opportunity: Commercialising Sunflower Farming Systems and Addressing Production Constraints in Central Tanzania
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Although sunflower is promoted as a strategic oilseed crop for edible oil import substitution and rural industrialisation in Tanzania, farm-level evidence is still needed on how farming systems, input access, support services, and market governance shape smallholder commercialisation. This study assesses sunflower farming systems and production constraints among smallholder farmers in Kondoa, Mpwapwa, Singida, and Manyoni districts in Central Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional mixed-methods value-chain design involving 379 respondents: 148 farmers, 34 processors, 46 traders, and 151 consumers. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative evidence was collected through eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Frequencies, percentages, cross-tabulations, summary measures, and district comparisons were used for quantitative analysis, while qualitative evidence was thematically analysed to complement the survey findings. The findings show that 98.0% of sampled farmers grew sunflowers, 91.7% regarded it as a major cash crop, and 69.0% produced it for both sale and domestic use. Mono-cropping dominated at 85.1%, reflecting commercial orientation but also exposing farmers to agronomic and climate risks where soil fertility management, extension, and improved seed systems are weak. The major constraints were unreliable or fluctuating prices (41.5%), unreliable markets (40.0%), transport and infrastructure constraints (16.3%), pests and diseases (13.3%), shortage of improved seed (12.6%), and inadequate extension services (10.4%). Processing findings further show that raw material supply is seasonal and fragmented, while consumer demand for sunflower oil remains strong. The study concludes that sunflower commercialisation in Central Tanzania is advanced in farmers’ production intention and consumer demand, but its transformation into sustained economic gains requires coordinated improvements in certified seed access, extension delivery, mechanisation, aggregation, storage, market information, and farmer-processor linkages.
DOI: 10.63444/sf7et830
Author: Baltazar Namwata
Institution: Moshi Co-operative University
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7221588062