TU Assistant Professor Co-Authors Major Study on Rice Production in Tanzania

Harper, Liberia -- William V. S. Tubman University (TU) proudly announces that Mr. Francis Kloh Fukah, an Assistant Professor in the College of Agriculture and Food Science, has co-authored a groundbreaking research study analyzing two decades of rice production trends in Tanzania.

Published in Discover Agriculture (2025), the study, titled "Analysing Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production Trends--Area Harvested, Quantity and Yield Stability in Tanzania," evaluates rice cultivation data from 2000 to 2022. Collaborating with experts from Tanzania's Sokoine University of Agriculture, the research team examined changes in harvested area, production volume, and yield using advanced statistical tools like Principal Component Analysis and Generalized Linear Models.

Key findings reveal that while the area under rice cultivation tripled--from 405,000 to over 1.3 million hectares--yield stability remains inconsistent due to factors such as drought, pests, and climate variability. The study highlights the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural practices, improved irrigation, and access to better seed varieties.

"This research helps us understand the connection between land use and yield outcomes under environmental stress," Mr. Fukah stated. "It emphasizes sustainable solutions to improve food security across Africa."

The study aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger, No Poverty, and Climate Action. TU hails this achievement as a significant boost to its global research presence and ongoing efforts to contribute to agricultural innovation and food security in Africa.