Between Smallholder Structures, Agroecology, and Global Challenges – Travel Report on the Agricultural Policy Study Trip to Tanzania 

As part of the DLG Young Talents Awards, I had the opportunity to take part in this study trip. The objective of the journey was to gain insight into the country’s agricultural structures, to understand the agricultural policy framework, and to promote exchange with local stakeholders.

From 26 November to 7 December 2025, the trip took us through various regions of Tanzania—from Arusha through the Uluguru Mountains to Zanzibar—offering impressive insights into the diversity and challenges of East African agriculture.

Arrival and First Impressions: Agriculture in a Field of Tension

After traveling via Addis Ababa, we arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport and continued on to Arusha. Even during the flight and the initial journeys, it became clear how strongly climatic conditions, infrastructure, and population dynamics shape agricultural production. Signs of erosion, drought, and at the same time expanding urban structures highlighted the challenges the country is facing.
Initial professional discussions as well as insights into Maasai culture underscored how closely agriculture, tradition, and social structures are intertwined.

Agricultural Practice: Between Innovation and Subsistence

A key item on the program was a visit to TAHA (Tanzania Horticultural Association). TAHA is a large network dedicated to promoting horticulture. With more than 25,000 members, it supports farmers through advisory services, training, and networking along the entire value chain.

Particularly impressive was the visit to a smallholder farm on Mount Meru that combines coffee and banana cultivation. This system is an exemplary illustration of the efficiency of traditional intercropping: bananas provide shade and help retain moisture for the coffee plants, while by-products are used as animal feed.

Visits to other farms also made it clear that small-scale agriculture operates with very limited resources. Mechanization is rare, and many tasks are carried out manually. At the same time, the creativity and adaptability of the farmers are remarkable.

Smallholder Systems and Climate Challenges

A visit to a farmer in the Manyara region highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder agriculture: limited irrigation options, dependence on rainfall, and restricted access to markets.
At the same time, it became clear how strongly climate change is already having an impact—through periods of drought, for example, which affect feed availability and animal health.
Informal encounters as well, such as a spontaneous football match with children in a village, provided insight into everyday life and reflected the openness and hospitality of the local people.

Biodiversity and Conflicts over Land Use

A safari in Lake Manyara National Park illustrated the importance of intact ecosystems for tourism and biodiversity. At the same time, it became evident that there are land-use conflicts between nature conservation and agriculture, particularly in regions with a growing population.

Traditional Ways of Life: The Example of the Maasai

The visit to a Maasai village offered deep insights into traditional ways of life and economic systems. Semi-nomadic livestock farming is strongly dependent on natural resources and closely linked to Maasai cultural structures.

The clear division of roles and the strong sense of community organization represent alternative forms of agriculture and society that differ markedly from European systems.

At the same time, challenges became visible, such as conflicts between livestock keeping and crop farming, as well as increasing pressure on natural resources.

Agroecology as a Model for the Future

A particular focus of the trip was the work of Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT). SAT promotes organic agriculture and supports farmers through training programs, certification schemes, and demonstration farms.

In the Uluguru Mountains, we became familiar with agroecological systems characterized by intercropping, terracing, and sustainable soil management. Such approaches help reduce erosion, stabilize yields, and increase resilience to climate change.

International Exchange: The Agricultural Rendezvous

One of the highlights of the trip was the “Agriculture Rendezvous,” which enabled an intensive exchange with Tanzanian agricultural students.
In a series of workshops, topics such as:

• generational change in agriculture
• sustainable production systems
• market access and value creation

were discussed and compared with German perspectives. It became clear that, despite very different framework conditions, many of the challenges are similar—such as the economic attractiveness of agriculture and access to markets.

Zanzibar: Agriculture, Tourism, and Value Creation

The final days of the trip took us to Zanzibar, where spice cultivation was a particular focus. During a visit to a spice farm, the great diversity of products—such as cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger—became evident. At the same time, it was clear how crucial processing and direct marketing are for securing farmers’ incomes.

Another enterprise demonstrated the processing of sweet potatoes into various products, providing a strong example of local value creation and entrepreneurial initiative.

Conclusion: Agriculture in a Global Contextt

The study trip vividly demonstrated how differently agriculture is organized around the world and under what conditions it operates.
While in Germany issues such as efficiency, sustainability, and regulation are at the forefront, agriculture in Tanzania is strongly characterized by:

• smallholder structures
• limited access to resources
• a high dependence on climatic conditions

At the same time, the trip highlighted the significant potential of agroecological approaches, education, and international exchange.
One particularly lasting insight was the realization that solutions to global challenges such as climate change and food security must always be developed within their local contexts.

In addition to the professional insights gained, the journey also broadened my personal horizon—through encounters with people, exposure to different ways of life, and a deeper understanding of cultural contexts.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to take part in this educational trip and will carry the experiences and lessons learned forward, both professionally and personally.