State of digitalization of seed companies and quality declared seed producers in Tanzania
Material type:
TextLanguage: English Series: IFPRI Discussion Paper ; 02351 August 2025 Publication details: Tanzania : CIAT, 2025.Description: 23 pagesSubject(s): Online resources: Summary: Digital transformation holds vast potential for advancing sustainable agriculture in the Global South, yet significant gaps remain in sectors such as Tanzania’s seed industry, which plays a critical role in agricultural productivity and food security. This study examines the current level of digital adoption among Tanzanian seed companies and Quality Declared Seed (QDS) producers, focusing on three value chains: common beans, sorghum, and groundnuts. Using survey data from 148 QDS producers and all registered 30 seed companies, collected by the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), we assess the current state of digital use by these entities and how digital technologies can contribute to improved market access, customer engagement, and operational efficiencies. Our analysis highlights the uneven engagement between seed companies and QDS producers, value chain disparities, and persistent barriers such as limited device access, low digital literacy, and restricted awareness of digital tools. Understanding these differences in digital engagement is essential for developing effective strategies that can bridge the digital divide and create inclusive digital transformation pathways for all actors in Tanzania’s seed sector.
| Item type | Current library | Collection | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working paper | CIMMYT Knowledge Center: John Woolston Library | CIMMYT Staff Publications Collection | Available |
Open Access
Digital transformation holds vast potential for advancing sustainable agriculture in the Global South, yet significant gaps remain in sectors such as Tanzania’s seed industry, which plays a critical role in agricultural productivity and food security. This study examines the current level of digital adoption among Tanzanian seed companies and Quality Declared Seed (QDS) producers, focusing on three value chains: common beans, sorghum, and groundnuts. Using survey data from 148 QDS producers and all registered 30 seed companies, collected by the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), we assess the current state of digital use by these entities and how digital technologies can contribute to improved market access, customer engagement, and operational efficiencies. Our analysis highlights the uneven engagement between seed companies and QDS producers, value chain disparities, and persistent barriers such as limited device access, low digital literacy, and restricted awareness of digital tools. Understanding these differences in digital engagement is essential for developing effective strategies that can bridge the digital divide and create inclusive digital transformation pathways for all actors in Tanzania’s seed sector.
Text in English
Market Intelligence Seed Equal Accelerated Breeding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Climate adaptation & mitigation Gender equality, youth & social inclusion Nutrition, health & food security Environmental health & biodiversity Poverty reduction, livelihoods & jobs Resilient Agrifood Systems Systems Transformation Genetic Innovation
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