Sesame in Tanzania: Unlocking the potential of an Opportunity Crop

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6 April 2026 at 11:35 am

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Sesame in Tanzania: Unlocking the Potential of an Opportunity Crop

In recent years, sesame has emerged as a significant crop in Tanzania, contributing to the country's agricultural growth and export diversification. Known for its drought resistance and ability to thrive in poor soils, sesame has become one of Tanzania's top five producers, joining major exporters worldwide. The oil derived from sesame is highly valued for its health benefits and is widely used in various cuisines and industries.

To further enhance sesame production and ensure it meets both market demands and farmer needs, a collaborative workshop was held in Dar es Salaam in July 2025. The Product Design Team (PDT), comprising representatives from farmer groups, processors, the private sector, and scientists, gathered to validate key market segments and define the Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for sesame. These TPPs will serve as a roadmap for guiding Tanzania's sesame breeding strategy, accelerating the development of improved varieties that align with both market and agricultural requirements.

Dr. Atugonza Bilaro, the manager for crop research and post-harvest management at Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), opened the workshop, emphasizing TARI's commitment to establishing market segments and TPPs for all its crops. The PDT identified two primary market segments for sesame: short-duration varieties and medium-duration varieties, both featuring white seed coats suitable for oil extraction and food processing. Target Product Profiles were developed to address the specific needs of these segments, ensuring that breeding efforts focus on traits that are most valuable to farmers and consumers.

In addition to these established segments, the PDT recognized an emerging market segment focused on sesame with white, brown, or black seed coats. This segment caters to oil processing, medicinal use, and cosmetics. However, due to limited available data, it was not possible to validate this segment or define a corresponding TPP at the time of the workshop.

The collaborative nature of the workshop was highly appreciated by the PDT members, who acknowledged that it deepened their understanding of market segmentation and the importance of aligning breeding strategies with real-world needs. The session was viewed not just as a routine gathering but as a crucial step in strengthening Tanzania's sesame breeding program and ensuring its continued success in the global market.

By focusing on these key market segments and developing targeted TPPs, Tanzania aims to enhance sesame production while meeting the diverse demands of its domestic and international markets. This collaborative approach not only fosters innovation in breeding but also promotes sustainable agriculture practices, ensuring that sesame remains a viable and valuable crop for Tanzanian farmers and the global community.

Source: CIMMYT

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