In Tanzania’s highland soils—from Njombe, Mbeya, Iringa, to the cool hills of Arusha and Kilimanjaro—a quiet agricultural revolution is taking root. At its center is MbeguNzuri Biotech Farm Ltd, a bold, youth-led initiative transforming potato farming through innovation and biotechnology.
Led by visionary agripreneur Crescentia Mushobozi, MbeguNzuri is redefining how farmers access clean, high-yield seed potatoes through advanced techniques like tissue culture and apical cuttings.
The Science Behind the Seeds: Tissue Culture and Climate-Resilient Varieties
“Our mission is to bring science to the soil and opportunity to the people,” says Crescentia.
At MbeguNzuri’s lab, tiny plant tissues from healthy parent potatoes are grown in sterile environments to produce disease-free, uniform seedlings. This ensures farmers get high-quality planting material that matures faster and delivers more consistent yields.
The company focuses on two standout potato varieties:
- Unica – A red-skinned, drought-tolerant variety suited for dryland regions
- Obama – A fast-maturing, high-yielding variety with wide market appeal
“Farmers who once harvested 50–60 bags per acre now get over 80 bags after adopting our clean seedlings,” Crescentia notes.
From Lab to Farm: Empowering Tanzania’s Smallholders
MbeguNzuri isn’t just about science—it’s about impact. By working closely with outgrower networks, cooperatives and local agro-dealers, the company ensures smallholder farmers in regions like Njombe, Mbeya, Arusha and Manyara can access improved seed potatoes and receive agronomic training.
“We use demonstration farms, social media and field days to showcase the benefits,” Crescentia explains. “And we bundle services—seeds, training and follow-up support—to ensure farmer success.”
One inspiring story is from Mr. Peter in Arusha songolo village, a farmer of 30 years. “He transitioned from subsistence to semi-commercial farming after switching to our seeds,” she shares proudly.
Women in Biotech: Changing the Face of Agribusiness
Beyond seed production, Crescentia is championing women and youth in biotechnology.
“I want young women to know that agribusiness and biotech are not off-limits,” she says. “We’re proving it’s possible to lead, innovate and profit in agriculture.”
Backed by partnerships with organizations such as the World Vegetable Center, Africana Branding, and local government extension officers, MbeguNzuri is now scaling regionally, with a goal to reach over 10,000 farmers in the next five years.
“Innovation is not just about the lab,” Crescentia concludes. “It’s about changing lives in the field.”
