Mobilising the private sector in the fight against counterfeit agro-inputs – A case study of mPedigree in Tanzania

Agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania’s economy and accounts for almost a third of GDP and 65% of employment, with women constituting 70% of this labour force. The problem of fake, counterfeit, or substandard agro-inputs in Tanzania has not been well-researched but has been considered substantial by some observers. Anecdotal evidence estimates that 30-40% of agro-inputs (seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides) are counterfeit, of which seeds are most highly counterfeited at 46.8%.

AECF investee mPedigree is using serialized labels as a measure to verify seed authenticity that has the potential to transform the management of counterfeit agro-inputs through integrating technology in seed quality regulation.