참깨 from 탄자니아

History

Sesame cultivation in Tanzania has expanded significantly since the 2000s, supported by rising global demand and NGO and donor-led agricultural programs. The crop has gradually shifted from subsistence to commercial farming.

Production Regions

• Lindi Region: The country’s largest producer, known for white sesame.
• Mtwara Region: Coastal production hub with good rainfall.
• Ruvuma and Morogoro: Inland growing zones with suitable climate.
• Dodoma and Singida: Drier central regions with increasing cultivation.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: Semi-arid to sub-humid tropical zones.
• Rainfall: 500 to 1,000 mm annually; rainfed farming.
• Soil: Light, well-drained sandy soils.
• Planting Season: March to May (south), November–December (central).
• Harvest: June to August or March to April depending on region.

Harvesting Process

• Manual Cutting: Plants are cut and tied in bundles.
• Field Drying: Bundles are left to dry upright for 1–2 weeks.
• Threshing: Manual beating on tarpaulins or wooden platforms.
• Winnowing & Drying: Seeds are cleaned and sun-dried to reduce moisture.

Cultivation Methods

• Farm Size: Primarily smallholder plots (0.5–2 ha).
• Farming Practices: Low-input traditional systems; organic by default.
• Cooperative Support: Farmer groups help aggregate, clean, and sell produce.
• NGO Support: Training on improved agronomic practices and storage.

Supply Chain

• Flow: Farmers → Local Traders → Cooperatives/Agents → Exporters.
• Exporters: Based in Dar es Salaam and regional centers.
• Export Routes: Via Dar es Salaam Port and some through Mombasa, Kenya.

Local Logistics

• Transport: Farm produce is transported via truck or motorcycle to village markets.
• Storage: Often poor, leading to quality loss due to humidity and pests.

Regulations and Certifications

• Government Oversight: Tanzania Trade Development Authority and Ministry of Agriculture regulate trade.
• Certifications: Organic and fair trade certifications available for some cooperatives.
• Residue Compliance: Buyers may require aflatoxin and pesticide residue testing.

Quality Standards

• Purity: Export grade generally above 98% purity.
• Color: White sesame preferred; uniformity is key for premium pricing.
• Grading: Based on seed size, oil content, and foreign matter.

Trade Terms

• Exports (2023): Around 120,000–150,000 MT.
• HS Code: 120740.
• Key Buyers: China, Japan, Turkey, India, and UAE.
• Payment Terms: Mix of forward contracts and letters of credit.

Environmental Impact

• Water Use: Rainfed; low water demand.
• Pesticide Use: Minimal; mostly organic by default.
• Soil Impact: Rotational crop, helps restore degraded soils.
• Climate Risk: Prone to erratic rainfall and drought in central regions.

Social Impact

• Income Source: Key income crop for smallholders in southern Tanzania.
• Women’s Role: Involved in harvesting and post-harvest processing.
• Youth Involvement: Increasing with donor-led agribusiness programs.
• Community Benefits: Supports local economies through cooperative marketing.

Uses

• Culinary: Whole seed used in baking, snack foods, and confectionery.
• Oil Extraction: Crude and refined sesame oil production.
• Cosmetics & Health: Used in skin oils and Ayurvedic treatments.
• Byproducts: Press cake used in local animal feed.