Tanzania's pulse production may face challenges next year, according to a recent climate outlook. The Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-31) predicts normal to below-normal rainfall in Tanzania from January to March 2026, while the rest of Southern Africa is expected to receive mostly normal to above-normal rainfall during the 2025/2026 rainy season.
This outlook has significant implications for Tanzania's pulse sector, which is a major producer and exporter of beans, pigeon peas, chickpeas, green grams, and lentils. The climate outlook suggests a strong start to the season in October to December 2025, but potential water stress and reduced yields in the critical January to March 2026 period.
The key issue lies in the moisture-sensitive stages of flowering and pod formation, where normal to below-normal rainfall can lead to reduced yields, increased pest pressure, and lower biomass for nitrogen fixation. This could negatively impact soil health and increase irrigation demand in limited areas.
To mitigate these challenges, Tanzania's pulse value chain must focus on early planting, climate-smart production techniques, and market risk management. These strategies are crucial to navigate the potential decline in pulse yields and ensure the sector's resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.
