Accelerating variety turnover for sorghum and groundnuts in Tanzania: The BESTO enterprises story

Accelerating the adoption of improved crop varieties is essential for strengthening food security, climate resilience, and market competitiveness among smallholder farmers in Tanzania. This case study highlights how BESTO Enterprises & General Supplies Ltd is accelerating variety turnover for sorghum and groundnuts through an integrated seed delivery model under the ACCELERATE Initiative. By combining the Quality Declared Seed (QDS) system, seed credit, mechanization, and market linkages, BESTO has connected research institutions, seed producers, traders, and over 700 farmers in Mpwapwa District. The model has increased the adoption of climate-resilient varieties such as TARI SOR 2 and TARIKA 2 while strengthening local seed systems through the district's first QDS outlet. Despite challenges including limited financing and weak extension support, the experience demonstrates how locally led agribusinesses and public-private partnerships can accelerate variety turnover, improve productivity and incomes, and provide a scalable model for strengthening seed systems across Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa.