TARI KIHINGA

Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Kihinga is one of the vital research centers under TARI, established in 2018 with a national mandate to conduct and coordinate comprehensive research on oil palm. Its establishment marked a significant milestone in strengthening Tanzania’s capacity to enhance oil palm production and productivity for sustainable livelihoods and national economic growth. The centre serves as the national hub for oil palm research, focusing on all key aspects of the crop’s value chain, including crop improvement, agronomy, crop protection, post-harvest management, and seed and seedling production. The center is dedicated to developing and disseminating quality and improved oil palm varieties and seedlings that address farmers’ needs and align with the country’s agricultural transformation agenda. Through its activities, TARI Kihinga ensures the availability of superior planting materials that contribute to increased yields, resilience to pests and diseases, and enhanced oil quality. Beyond oil palm, TARI Kihinga plays a collaborative role in conducting research on other important crops such as cassava, banana, maize, and avocado. This diversification strengthens the center’s research portfolio and supports integrated farming systems that enhance food security and income generation among farming communities.

In essence, TARI Kihinga stands as a strategic center of excellence for oil palm research and development in Tanzania. It bridges the gap between scientific innovation and farmers’ practical needs by generating, validating, and promoting technologies that improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability in the oil palm subsector. Through partnerships with national and international stakeholders, the center continues to contribute to the realization of Tanzania’s goal of becoming self-sufficient in edible oils and promoting agro-industrial growth.