The Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) in Tanzania has emphasized the need for its staff to deliver tangible results, particularly in improving farmers' livelihoods and access to markets. At a three-day staff meeting in Kibaha, Coast Region, COPRA Director General Irene Mlola urged employees to apply the knowledge gained during the meeting to improve performance and ensure the authority fulfils its mandate of strengthening the country's agricultural sector.
COPRA was established in 2023, and over the past three years, the Government has highlighted the opening of 15 international markets, including India and China, as part of efforts to expand trading opportunities for farmers and produce traders. The authority has played a crucial role in strengthening trading systems to help farmers access competitive markets and secure better returns for their produce.
Speaking at the meeting, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Gerald Mweli said COPRA had contributed significantly to emerging opportunities in agricultural trade, citing banana exports to South Africa, avocado exports that had reached 30,000 tonnes, and more than 15,000 tonnes of maize sold. He encouraged farmers to have timely access to agricultural inputs to increase production and benefit from the expanding markets.
To improve service delivery and market monitoring, COPRA has introduced digital systems, including the COPRA Management Information System (COPRA MIS), which facilitates warehouse registration, monitors produce quality, and tracks consignments stored in registered facilities. The system aims to improve access to information and strengthen coordination across the produce value chain.
COPRA Board Chairperson Professor Sifuni Mchome said the authority's initial work focused on establishing operational systems, guidelines, regulations, and procedures that were not in place when it began implementing its mandate. The Board has made 77 decisions aimed at building and developing the institution, 65 of which have been implemented, helping to strengthen its operational systems and cooperation among stakeholders.
Professor Mchome identified the loss of agricultural land to industrial and residential development as a challenge requiring attention, citing declining coconut-growing areas in the Coast Region. He also emphasized the need for more crop-specific guidelines to ensure that produce meets the quality standards required in different markets.
As part of its long-term plans, COPRA has developed a 2026/27 strategic plan targeting an increase in the value of agricultural produce exports from $1.2 billion to $6 billion by 2030. The target will be pursued through increased production, improved packaging, expanded markets, and efforts to address challenges related to financing, information, and digital systems.
Key points
- COPRA aims to increase the value of agricultural produce exports from $1.2 billion to $6 billion by 2030.
- The authority has introduced digital systems to improve service delivery and market monitoring.
- COPRA has played a crucial role in strengthening trading systems to help farmers access competitive markets.
