Africa-Press – Tanzania. DAR ES SALAAM’s wholesale produce markets showed mixed trends in March, with falling prices of key root crops offering some relief amid rising costs of essential foods.
Across major markets including Mabibo, Temeke, Tandale, Buguruni, Ilala and Tandika, prices recorded both increases and declines between February and March, pushing up costs for some commodities while easing pressure on others.
According to the latest report by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), the price of round potatoes dropped sharply by 31 per cent, from 130,000/- to 90,000/- per 100-kilogramme bag.
TanTrade Director General, Dr Latifa Khamis, said seasonal production cycles and rainfall in key agricultural zones largely drove the price movements.
“Despite increases in essential commodities such as tomatoes and poultry, the general market outlook in Dar es Salaam remains stable, offering opportunities for traders while presenting cost pressures for consumers,” she said.
The decline is attributed to increased harvests from the Southern Highlands regions of Njombe, Mbeya and Songwe, which boosted supply in city markets.
In contrast, other root crops moved in the opposite direction, with cassava prices doubling and taro (magimbi) rising by 14 per cent to 80,000/-.
Vegetables showed varied trends. Tomatoes were among the most affected, with wooden crate prices rising 33 per cent from 60,000/- to 80,000/- due to offseason production constraints.
Other vegetables, including okra, carrots, sweet peppers and onions, saw moderate increases, while eggplants, green peas and sour tomatoes remained stable. The fruit market was equally mixed.
The report shows that oranges recorded a sharp 150 per cent increase from 200/-to 500/- per fruit, while a banana rose by 33 per cent from 150/- to 200/-.
Conversely, mangoes, passion fruits, cucumbers and watermelons experienced declines, reflecting seasonal supply and higher availability.
Livestock products, particularly poultry, saw significant price surges. Broiler chickens more than doubled in price, rising 114 per cent from 7,000/- to 15,000/- depending on size per chicken, while an indigenous chicken increased by 67 per cent to 25,000/-.
Beef and industrial eggs also rose, whereas sardine (dagaa) showed mixed trends depending on the source. Cereals and pulses experienced modest increases.
Various beans, groundnuts, maize and peanuts recorded price gains, attributed to rainfall in producing regions that raised transportation costs. Rice, sorghum, wheat flour and other staples remained largely stable.
Coffee prices showed a mixed picture, with Robusta and Arabica (CPU) declining, while Arabica HP increased slightly, reflecting shifting demand patterns both locally and internationally. Retailers reported the impact of these changes on consumers.
Ms Anna Mwakibete of Ilala Market said round potatoes, which fell from 1,300/- to 900/- per kilo, are selling quickly, offering relief to buyers. Tomatoes, however, have risen from 1,500/- to 2,000/- per kilo, limiting purchases.
At Makumbusho Market, Colman Tairo said traders now buy smaller quantities to manage costs. He said a 20-kilo bucket of potatoes used to cost 20,000/-; now they sell it for 17,000/- to 16,000/-.
Ms Neema Hassan added that tomatoes, which go for 7,000/- per sack up from 5,000/-, remain a challenge for customers, while affordable potatoes continue to attract buyers.
