Potentials for organic agriculture to sustain livelihoods in Tanzania

Certified market-driven organic agriculture in Africa needs to build upon and strengthen internal natural and social resources in order to bring greater benefit to smallholders. The organic sector in Tanzania is predominantly export-oriented, supported by development funding and aimed at improving incomes. This study is designed to assess and provide a foundation for enhancing organic agriculture's contribution to sustainable livelihoods and food security amongst Tanzanian smallholder farmers. Holistic and multi-perspective analysis revealed that organic agriculture is making efficient use of resources in the current institutional context and building upon existing livelihood strategies. Certified organic agriculture can address issues of sustainable food production and improved farmer livelihoods. However, findings suggest that the international trade focus behind recent efforts by the private sector, donors and the government to commercialize smallholder organic agriculture carries significant risks. Local- and national-level strategies need to incorporate multiple objectives, not only production of high quality products for the market, but also farmer empowerment, household nutrition and sustainable management of natural resources.