Mahindi (Maize) Prices in Tanzania Today (Daily Update Blog)
- BeyondForest
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Image of SC719 the Pan African Maize Hybrid by Philip Matombo
0.)About Maize Farming in Tanzania
1.)Maize Growing Areas in Tanzania
3.)How to Grow Maize Step by Step in Tanzania
4.)Maize Value Chain in Tanzania
6.)Current Maize Prices in Tanzania (Daily/Weekly Update)
8.)Best Maize Seed Varieties for Tanzania (2025)
9.)Where to Buy Maize Seeds in Tanzania
10.)FAQ – Maize Farming in Tanzania
About Maize Farming in Tanzania
70% of all maize seed planted in Tanzania is recycled seed
Maize Is Tanzania’s #1 Source of Rural Cash Income For many households, maize contributes up to 50% of annual income, especially in rural areas.
In 2023/2024, Tanzania harvested over 12 million tonnes of maize — the highest in its history — making it Africa’s #2 producer without using GMOs.
Maize farming in Tanzania is the backbone of the country’s food system and rural economy, cultivated on over 45% of all arable land and grown by millions of smallholder farmers. The Southern Highlands including Iringa, Mbeya, Njombe, Rukwa, and Songwe dominate national production, contributing almost half of the country’s maize output due to fertile soils, reliable rainfall, and established farming systems.
Want To Learn More About Onion Farming In Tanzania Click Here >>>
Yield levels vary widely from 0.8 t/ha in low-input regions such as Dar es Salaam to over 3.7 t/ha in high-performing zones like Mbeya, reflecting differences in soil fertility, seed choice, rainfall, and management practices.
The Southern Highlands Regions like Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe, and Rukwa supply almost half of Tanzania’s entire maize stock, feeding cities like Dar, Arusha, Mwanza, and even Kenya.
Despite its importance, Tanzanian maize farming is largely low-input and rain-fed, with most farmers relying on recycled seed, minimal fertilizer, and simple tools — factors that contribute to frequent crop losses.
Major constraints include Fall Armyworm (FAW), stem borers, termites, drought stress, acidic soils, and high post-harvest losses. Recommended production practices such as using improved hybrids, adopting timely planting aligned with bimodal or unimodal rainfall, applying manure or fertilizers, and practicing weed and pest control significantly improve productivity.
Maize is grown on 45% of Tanzania’s arable land meaning maize is the most important crop in the country
Lush green rows of corn stretch across a vast field Othuman Nungnungu
Maize is grown across Tanzania, but production is highly concentrated in the Southern Highlands, which account for nearly half of the national output. Key producing regions include Iringa, Mbeya, Njombe, Rukwa, and Songwe, favored for their fertile volcanic soils, cooler temperatures, and reliable rainfall. Moderate production comes from the Lake Zone—Mwanza, Geita, Simiyu, and Shinyanga—where maize supports both consumption and trade.
Over 85% of all maize is milled by small local micro-millers — this is why “kagigigi” flour dominates households.
Image of The national dish of Tanzania #Ugali and #Maharagwe ya nazi by Cafe Africa
In contrast, Coastal and Northern Zones such as Tanga, Kilimanjaro, and Dar es Salaam produce far less due to lower rainfall and higher temperatures, making them dependent on supply from surplus regions.
Current Maize Prices in Tanzania (Daily/Weekly Update)
Source: Tanzania Ministry of Agriculture Weekly Market Bulletin, 18–22 Aug 2025
Regional Maize Prices (Wholesale TZS/kg)
Region | Current Week |
Dodoma | 800 TZS |
Arusha | 700 TZS |
Dar es Salaam | 1,000 TZS |
Lindi | 900 TZS |
Morogoro | 700 TZS |
Tanga | 1,100 TZS |
Mtwara | 700 TZS |
Iringa | 600 TZS |
Ruvuma | 600 TZS |
Tabora | 700 TZS |
Pwani | 1,300 TZS |
Simiyu | 900 TZS |
Mbeya | 600 TZS |
Mara | 700 TZS |
Njombe | 500 TZS |
Katavi | 600 TZS |
Rukwa | 600 TZS |
Shinyanga | 800 TZS |
Mwanza | 1,000 TZS |
Kagera | 900 TZS |
Singida | 600 TZS |
Geita | 900 TZS |
Maize Production in Tanzania (2025 Update)
Increasing adoption of mechanization, quality inputs, and better agronomy are critical to maintain growth and improve overall yield.
Aerial view of a vast harvested cornfield by Farm For Future
According to Ecofin Agency In the 2023/2024 season, Tanzania recorded a historic maize harvest of 12.26 million tonnes, a roughly 53% increase compared to the previous year, making it the country’s highest-ever output and positioning Tanzania as Africa’s second-largest maize producer. This surge is attributed to expanded use of certified seeds, widespread fertilizer subsidies, and improved farming practices across the country.
Did you know Tanzania produces enough maize to feed 7+ million people across borders every year?
Despite this, many smallholder farms still achieve modest yields — average national maize yield remains around 1.5–2.0 t/ha, significantly below the potential of 3–4 t/ha or more under optimal conditions.
view from a drone showing our water tower and irrigation project. by Go Make A Difference
1. Choose the Right Site
Select deep, well-drained, fertile loamy soils.
Avoid waterlogged fields; maize hates standing water.
Ensure full sunlight — shaded areas reduce yield.
Ideal soil pH: 5.0–7.0.
2. Check Soil Fertility
Inspect leaves for nutrient deficiency signs (yellowing → N deficiency; purple → P deficiency).
Do soil testing every 3–4 years through TARI, IITA or local labs.
Use rapid soil test kits when available.
3. Prepare the Land
Clear vegetation by slashing or spraying glyphosate for stubborn grasses.
Avoid burning residues — they improve soil organic matter.
Till soil using hoe, ox-plough, walking tractor, or full tractor depending on resources.
Break hardpans by ripping/subsoiling where necessary.
4. Select Suitable Varieties
Choose improved hybrid or OPV varieties recommended for your region (e.g. UH6303, MERU H600, PAN 4M-21, SC 719).
Match the variety to your altitude, rainfall pattern, and disease pressure.
5. Conduct a Germination Test (10 Days Before Planting)
Plant 100 random seeds.
If 85+ sprout → 2 seeds per hole.
If 70–84 → 3 seeds per hole.
If <70 → get new seed.
6. Plant at the Right Time
Plant immediately after the rains establish.
Use weather forecasts from TMA.
Avoid late planting — increases drought and pest risks.
Follow Masika/Vuli (bimodal) or Musimu (unimodal) calendars.
7. Use Correct Spacing
Low rainfall areas: 90 cm x 30 cm (1 plant) or 90 cm x 60 cm (2 plants).
High rainfall: 75 cm x 30 cm (1 plant) or 75 cm x 60 cm (2 plants).
Maintain plant population 37,000–53,333 plants/ha.
8. Apply Fertilizer Properly
Apply basal fertilizer (DAP/NPK) 5 cm below and beside the seed.
Top-dress with Urea or CAN at 4–6 weeks and again before tasseling in high rainfall zones.
Use manure: 7 tons/acre on poor soils.
9. Weed Early and Frequently
Weed 2–3 times, starting 2 weeks after emergence.
Early weeding boosts yields significantly.
Fall Armyworm Damage Can Destroy 50% of a Field If uncontrolled, FAW can reduce yields by 20–50%, making it one of Tanzania’s most dangerous crop pests.
10. Control Major Pests
Monitor and manage Fall Armyworm (FAW), stem borers, and termites.
Use registered pesticides and scouting methods shown in the manual.
11. Manage Diseases
Watch for maize streak virus, leaf blight, GLS, and cob rot.
Use resistant varieties and rotate with legumes.
Apply fungicides if recommended for your region.
12. Harvest on Time
Harvest when cobs are dry and husks turn brown.
Avoid field drying for too long — reduces grain quality and increases pest damage.
Properly dry, shell, clean, and store maize in airtight bags or silos.
Maize Value Chain in Tanzania
Limited mechanization, pest pressures, low input use, and informal trade systems create inefficiencies that reduce farmer income and market competitiveness.
The maize value chain in Tanzania is dominated by smallholder farmers who supply most of the national harvest, with 70% of seeds sourced informally and production largely rain-fed. After harvesting, over 85% of maize is taken to micro-millers, where it is processed and returned to households for consumption, while only 3.5% enters large-scale milling. The Southern Highlands supply surplus grain to deficit regions and urban centers, though transport costs remain high at USD 0.12 per mt/km.
Maize Production in East Africa (Tanzania vs Kenya vs Uganda)
Tanzania and Uganda often enjoy surplus, while Kenya frequently faces deficits and relies on imports to stabilize prices.
Tanzania is the region’s largest producer, recently surpassing 12 million tonnes in the 2023/2024 season, driven by vast arable land and strong production in the Southern Highlands. Kenya, despite high consumption, produces significantly less—typically 3.1–3.5 million tonnes—due to limited land, high fertilizer costs, and heavy dependence on the Rift Valley. Uganda produces 2.7–3.0 million tonnes, with much of it exported informally to Kenya and South Sudan.
Challenges Facing Maize Farmers in Tanzania
Tanzania maize suffers from FAW (Fall Army Worm)
Most production is done under low-input, rain-fed conditions, leaving farmers vulnerable to drought, late rainfall, and unpredictable weather patterns.
Heavy reliance on recycled seed (over 70%) reduces yield potential, while limited access to quality hybrid varieties further widens the yield gap.
Pest pressure—especially Fall Armyworm (FAW), stem borers, and termites—causes significant crop damage, with many farmers lacking the knowledge or resources for effective control.
Post-harvest losses remain high due to poor drying, rudimentary storage, and rodent or insect infestation.
Market challenges include high transport costs, fluctuating prices, and limited access to structured markets or storage facilities, forcing farmers to sell immediately after harvest when prices are lowest.
Limited mechanization, weak extension services, and dependence on micro-milling systems (over 85% of all maize processed) further reduce efficiency and profitability.
Best Maize Seed Varieties for Tanzania (2025)
Variety | Ideal Conditions |
MERU H600 | Good yield (~ 10 t/ha), resistant to maize streak and gray leaf spot — suited for areas 1,000–1,600 m asl. |
PAN 4M-21 | Drought-tolerant, resistant to leaf rust, gray leaf spot, maize streak virus — good for semi-arid and mid-altitude zones. |
SC 719 | Reliable performer (grain yield ~ 8.5 t/ha), resistant to leaf rust, gray leaf spot and cob rot — performs well in 800–1,500 m zones. |
Lubango Hybrid | High yield potential (~ 10 t/ha), good for areas with slightly higher rainfall; relatively drought tolerant and disease-resistant. |
NATA H104 (OPV) | More affordable, fairly adaptable across 500–1,700 m, and resistant to leaf rust/blight + gray leaf spot |
Where to Buy Maize Seeds in Tanzania
Seed Co Tanzania
One of the largest and most trusted seed suppliers in Tanzania. They offer certified maize seed varieties adapted to local agro-ecologies. Their head office is in Arusha.
Offers quality maize seeds and delivers across Tanzania, including remote farms.
Western Seed Company
A private seed-maize breeder and distributor active in East Africa; they produce hybrid seeds suitable for varying agro-ecological zones.
What is the best month to plant maize in Tanzania?
Planting depends on rainfall. In bimodal areas (Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Tanga), plant during Vuli (Oct–Dec) and Masika (Mar–May). In unimodal areas (Dodoma, Iringa, Morogoro), plant between Dec–Jan after the Musimu rains begin.
Which maize varieties perform best in Tanzania?
Top performers include UH6303, MERU H600, SC 719, PAN 4M-21, Lubango Hybrid, and NATA H104 (OPV). These varieties offer strong yields, drought tolerance, and disease resistance.
Maize Needs 90–150 Days to Mature Hybrid varieties mature in 100–120 days, while OPVs can take up to 140–150 days, especially in highland areas.
How many bags of fertilizers are needed per acre?
For most regions, apply DAP/NPK at planting and Urea/CAN as top dressing. Typical recommendation is 1–2 bags of basal fertilizer per acre and 1–2 bags of Urea/CAN, depending on soil fertility.
What causes low maize yields in Tanzania?
Low yields come from recycled seed, poor soils, inadequate fertilizer, drought, pests like Fall Armyworm, late planting, and insufficient weeding.
Moving maize costs an average of TZS 300–400 per km per ton, significantly affecting consumer prices.
How many maize plants should be planted per acre?
Aim for 9,000–13,000 plants per acre (equivalent to 37,000–53,333 plants per hectare), depending on rainfall and maize variety.
What is the average maize yield for smallholders?
Most smallholder farmers harvest 1.5–2.0 t/ha, although improved practices can push yields to 4–7 t/ha in high-potential zones.
Certified seeds are available from Seed Co Tanzania, Meru Agro, Tanseed International, Western Seed Company, and local agro-dealers countrywide.
FAW larvae can eat 50% of a maize plant before farmers even notice.
What pests should farmers watch out for?
Major pests include Fall Armyworm (FAW), stem borers, and termites, which can severely reduce yields if not controlled early.
How long does maize take to mature in Tanzania?
Most hybrid varieties mature in 100–150 days, depending on altitude, temperature, and rainfall.
Prices fluctuate due to production seasonality, transport costs, storage availability, regional shortages, and cross-border trade with Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.
