Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

For over 8 decades Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma, Njombe, Songwe, Rukwa and Mbeya regions have been banned from cotton farming due to the threat of the highly destructive red bollworm which is difficult and costly to control. The ban was posed by the government with the intent to prevent this insect from spreading to country’s cotton growing zones, that are western as well as eastern cotton growing areas.

According to Dr Abdullah Mkiga, a leading cotton entomologist at the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Ukiriguru centre, unlike other pests red bollworm primarily feeds on cotton flowers, squares, and bolls. The substitute plant is only wild cotton which also found in the restricted cotton farming regions.

"Moths lay eggs on the bolls, after the eggs are hatch larvae penetrate the cotton bolls, it becomes nearly impossible to control them with pesticides. Studies have shown that combating this pest requires multiple pesticide applications, which not only increase production costs but also pose health and environmental risks while affecting the international market," explains Dr Mkiga who is also the Acting Coordinator of Technology Transfer and Partnership department at the centre adding that this act significantly reduces yields.

Historically, the red bollworm entered Tanzania from Mozambique in the 1940s when cotton farming expanded northward. Since then, the pest has found a habitat in wild cotton plants in the Southern Highlands, making complete eradication difficult. However, due to economic activities and population movements in these regions, there has been growing interest among local farmers to cultivate cotton despite the restriction.

Earlier this month researchers from TARI’s through Ukiriguru and Uyole centres conducted field tour in the Mbeya Region to raise awareness to leaders and agricultural stakeholders on the rationale behind the ban and promote substitute cash crops such as sunflower, sesame, rice, maize, and groundnuts which are mostly cultivated in the regions.

The tour involved visiting Regional Commissioner’s office, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, Mbeya rural District Council, Mbarali and Chunya district offices as well as the Ikukwa, Mjele, Mafyeko and Kambikatoto wards to hold discussion with leaders and stakeholders in the relevant areas.

Dr Paul Saidia, the TARI Ukiriguru Centre director and the national coordinator for cotton research emphasized that leaders play a crucial role in disseminating this knowledge.

"We believe that by equipping local leaders with the right information, they can effectively educate farmers and guide them toward profitable alternative crops," he stated during rising awareness tour sponsored by the government through the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB).

"TARI is conducting in deep research to understand the ecology and biology of the insect as per climate change. Among other issues, the research bases on identifying current situation of the red bollworm and then we will recommend how long the ban should last” he said.

On his part, Dr Dennis Tippe, TARI Uyole Centre director assured that the centre will provide full support in awareness campaigns and research through the Technology Transfer and Research departments.

After listening to TARI’s experts and agree with the ban of cotton cultivation in their areas, stakeholders suggested increasing efforts in educating the farmers and research to come up with timely findings.

"The ban should continue, and we will send this message to many stakeholders. Also we must ensure that farmers are fully informed of the risks. Using excessive chemical pesticides without proper precautions could harm their health and the environment. We also need a structured plan for promoting alternative crops." said Mr Lengaeli Akyoo Mbeya regional CCM secretary.

“As we wait for expert recommendations, our agricultural officers must work closely with farmers from the planting season to harvest. This will help maximize yields from alternative crops and ensure that no farmer is left behind,” said Mbalari District Commissioner Colonel Maulid Surumbu.

"I suggest intensive research to be conducted so that to get out of the ban if the findings will recommend so. More research should be directed to control the insect" said Mr Frank Sichalwe, Mbalari district administrative secretary.

On his part, Christopher Mchaphu a former cotton farmer and current Ward Councilor for Kambikatoto in Chunya District, shared his personal experience.

 “I was among the farmers affected by the ban. At first, I didn’t understand why it was necessary, but now I see the bigger picture. I only ask that we get more support in adopting alternative crops, including good agronomic practices and access to markets,” he explained.

TARI, TCB along with other stakeholders continues to encourage the ban and provide education on good farming techniques of alternative crops with the aim to secure the future of Tanzania's cotton sector and safeguarding farmers' livelihoods. Until scientific research provides a clear path forward, the Southern Highlands will remain under cotton farming restriction.