As global leaders prepare to gather in Belém, Brazil, for the COP30 Climate Summit from November 10 to 21, Tanzanian farmers in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, are calling for urgent government intervention to curb the spread of fake seeds a growing threat to food security and climate resilience.
Tanzania is expected to take part in discussions under the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, which focuses on building sustainable and climate-resilient farming systems.
But while policies and plans take shape at international level, farmers in Bwigiri village are struggling with a crisis they say is undermining those very goals.
Standing on the parched fields of central Tanzania, the farmers see hope in drought-tolerant seeds, promoted as a modern solution to climate change. Yet behind that promise lies a story of frustration, loss, and disillusionment.
“There are so many seed varieties on the market now, but the biggest challenge is fake seeds from some companies. You buy them, plant, and nothing grows,” said Elisha Mtamwa, a farmer from Bwigiri.
“We’re asking the government to take strong action. This problem is discouraging many of us from farming.”he added
According to another farmer, Mbwana John, counterfeit seeds often bear the labels of popular and trusted brands making it difficult for farmers to distinguish between genuine and fake products.
“Some companies use brand names that farmers already trust to sell fake seeds. This has set us back in our efforts to deal with drought,” he said.
Farmers also say that even when genuine improved seeds are available, they often arrive late — forcing many to miss the planting season and lose income.
A 2024 FAO report shows that more than 65 percent of farmers in Tanzania depend entirely on rainfall for irrigation.
Recurrent droughts have reduced food production, especially in Dodoma, Singida, and Manyara regions.
While drought-resistant seeds are seen as part of the solution, FAO stresses the need for an integrated approach combining irrigation systems, farmer training, and strict regulation of the seed market to ensure both quality and timely distribution.
As Tanzania prepares its position for COP30, Bwigiri farmers are urging policymakers to make farmers’ voices part of the national agenda.
They are calling for reliable access to improved seeds, affordable pesticides, and practical climate adaptation support.
“We hope our government will push for increased subsidies on farm inputs,” said a group of Bwigiri farmers.
“These modern seeds require regular spraying, but many farmers can’t afford the pesticides. We also need improved systems to make quality seeds available on time.”he added
Climate change continues to threaten the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Tanzania.
While innovations such as drought-tolerant seeds offer hope, their success depends on strong oversight, transparent distribution systems, and inclusive decision-making.
As world leaders gather in Brazil, Bwigiri farmers want COP30 to hear the voices from the fields where climate change is not just a topic for debate, but a daily reality shaping the future of farming and food security in Tanzania.
