The Food Security Act

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CHAPTER 249
THE FOOD SECURITY ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
part ii
THE CEREAL AND OTHER PRODUCE
REGULATORY AUTHORITY
3. Establishment of Authority.
4. Functions of Authority.
5. Composition of Board.
6. Powers of Board.
7. Committees of Board.
8. Delegation of powers or functions of Board.
9. Establishment of Zonal Offices.
10. Disciplinary functions of Board.
11. Appointment of Director.
12. Appointment of senior officers and other staff.
13. Appointment of agents and other contractors.
part iii
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF GROWERS AND TRADERS
OF CEREALS AND OTHER PRODUCE
14. Registration of growers and traders.
15. Registration of processors.
16. Contract for farming.
17. Registration of contract for farming.
18. Maintenance of register.
19. Issuance of licence.
20. Form of license.
21. Cancellation or suspension of licence.

tration of contract for farming.
18. Maintenance of register.
19. Issuance of licence.
20. Form of license.
21. Cancellation or suspension of licence.

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110
22. Offences relating to licences.
23. Power to call information.
part iv
CROP GRADING, WEIGHING AND INSPECTION
24. Grading of crops.
25. Appointment of grading experts.
26. Appointment of inspectors.
27. Power of inspectors.
part v
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
28. Funds and resources of Authority.
29. Books of accounts and audit.
30. Annual report.
31. Remuneration of members.
part vi
[OMITTED]
part vii
GENERAL PROVISIONS
32. Designation of agricultural crop or food commodities for national
food security.
33. Duty to ensure food security at household level.
34. Offences and penalty.
35. Protection of members.
36. Forfeiture.
37. General penalty.
38. Offences by body corporate.
39. Offences by agents.
40. Notification of orders and directions.
41. Burden of proof.
42. Power to make regulations.
part viii
[OMITTED]
SCHEDULE

e.
39. Offences by agents.
40. Notification of orders and directions.
41. Burden of proof.
42. Power to make regulations.
part viii
[OMITTED]
SCHEDULE

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CHAPTER 249
THE FOOD SECURITY ACT
An Act to establish an Authority to regulate production, processing and
marketing of cereals and other produce; to provide for the national food
security assurance mechanisms and for other related matters.1
[8th May, 2023]
[GN. No. 345 of 2023]
[GN. No. 346 of 2023]
Acts Nos. 10 of 1991
19 of 2009
7 of 2023
1 The longtitle is amended by Act No. 19 of 2009 under section 28
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Food Security Act. 2.

1 The longtitle is amended by Act No. 19 of 2009 under section 28
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Food Security Act. 2.

In this Act, unless the context requires otherwise-
“Authority” means the Cereal and other Produce Regulatory
Authority as established under section 3;
“Board” means the Board of Directors of Cereals and other
Produce Regulatory Authority;
“buying centre” means a place designated by the local
government authorities and approved by the Authority to
be a crop buying centre;
“cereals” means edible grains such as maize, oat, wheat, rice,
millet and sorghum;
“contract farming” means farming under an agreement
between growers, farmers or producers on one part and
financiers such as buyers, sellers, processors or bankers
on the other part;
Short title
Interpretation
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

ucers on one part and
financiers such as buyers, sellers, processors or bankers
on the other part;
Short title
Interpretation
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E.

of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E.

2023]
112
“crop” means produce of what is planted or a part of plant
which is harvested after cropping, cut, or gathered from
a plant or agricultural field, or of a single kind of grain,
legume or fruit gathered in a single season;
“dealer” means a person who is engaged in the business of
procuring, processing, importation, exporting, distribution
or sale of cereals or other produce;
“Director General” means Chief Executive Officer of the
Authority appointed under this Act;
“food” means any substance or product whether processed,
partially processed or unprocessed intended to be or
reasonably expected to be ingested by human in its
intended use;
“food security” means a situation whereby all people at
all times have physical, social and economic access, to
sufficient and safe food to meet their nutritional needs
and cultural preferences for active and healthy life;
“input” includes planting material, agrochemical, fertilizer,
farm implements and packaging material;
“inspector” means an officer authorised by the Authority to
act as an inspector in accordance with the provision of
this Act;
“member” means a member of the Board of the Authority
and includes a Chairman;
“Ministry” means the Ministry responsible for agriculture;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for agriculture;
“natural agricultural resource” includes agricultural land,
water and natural vegetation;
“other produce” means agricultural produce as may be
Gazetted by the Minister to be regulated under this Act;
“premises” means land, building, factory, erection, vehicle,
article, or receptable whatsoever used for the purpose of
growing, sorting, processing, storage, transporting or for
any other activities connected to the handling of cereals
or other agricultural produce;

of
growing, sorting, processing, storage, transporting or for
any other activities connected to the handling of cereals
or other agricultural produce;

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THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E.

anzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.113
THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E.

2023]
“processing” with its grammatical variations and cognate
expression means any act or thing done to cereals or other
produce for the purpose of adding its value and the word
“processor” shall be construed accordingly;
“processor” means a person who converts or transforms on
a commercial scale, any cereal or other produce regulated
by this Act into a finished or semi-finished product;
“producer” means a person who grows cereals or other
produce;
“Register” means the Register for farming activities established
under this Act;
“stakeholder” means a dealer in the specified crop industry such
as the Central Government, local government authorities,
cooperative societies, the Authority, research and training
institutes, producers, traders and input suppliers;
“shared functions” means joint functions to be undertaken
by all stakeholders as agreed from time to time and may
include research, provision of extension services, inputs
supply, crop promotion and development, promotion
of fair trade and competition, setting indicative prices,
collecting, refining, maintaining and disseminating date
and information relating to the specific crop industry,
improving technologies and delivery system;
“stakeholders’ meeting” means zonal, cereal and other produce
council meeting held by specified crop stakeholders; and
“trader” means a person who, as broker, dealer, and marketing
company, or other purchaser, acquires any cereals or other
produce form a producer or any other person through
purchases or otherwise for the purpose of resale.

r other purchaser, acquires any cereals or other
produce form a producer or any other person through
purchases or otherwise for the purpose of resale.

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114
PART II
THE CEREAL AND OTHER PRODUCE
REGULATORY AUTHORITY
3.–(1) There is hereby established an Authority to be known as
the Cereal and Other Produce Regulatory Authority. (2) The Authority shall be a body corporate and shall-
(a) have perpetual succession and a common seal;
(b) in its corporate name be capable of suing or being sued;
(c) be capable of purchasing or acquiring in any manner
and alienating any movable and immovable property;
(d) be capable of entering into any contract or agreement as
may be necessary or expedient for the proper performance
of its functions under the provisions of this Act; and
(e) perform such functions which a body corporate may
lawfully perform for the proper discharging of its
functions under this Act. 4.–(1) The main functions of the Authority shall be to carry
out regulatory activities and other matters which are necessary,
advantageous or proper for the benefit of the cereals and other
produce industry.

rry
out regulatory activities and other matters which are necessary,
advantageous or proper for the benefit of the cereals and other
produce industry.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),
the regulatory functions of the Authority shall include to-
(a) develop and enforce sustainable agronomical standards
for product, processing and marketing of cereals and
other produce;
(b) ensure fair competition, fair trade, and to set and monitor
indicative prices as established by market forces and other
matters related thereto;
(c) collect, refine, maintain, or disseminate information or
data relating to the cereals and other produce;
(d) license persons engaged in the marketing processing of
cereals or other produces and their by-products;
Establishment of
Authority
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Functions of
Authority
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
7 of 2023 s. 14

er produces and their by-products;
Establishment of
Authority
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Functions of
Authority
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
7 of 2023 s. 14

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THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E.

anzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.115
THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E.

2023]
(e) make regulations for cultivation, marketing, processing,
importation, exportation and storage of the cereals and
other produce;
(f) register grower, dealers, and premise relating to cereals
and other produce;
(g) inspect or cause to be inspected the farms, grains,
premises and other facilities for the cereals and other
produce;
(h) issue import and export permits for the cereals and
other produce;
(i) regulate or to control the collection, movement, storage,
sale, purchase, transportation, marketing, processing,
distribution, importation, exportation, disposal and
supply of cereal and other produces;
(j) establish a system under which cereals and other
produce traders shall register and report, for statistical
purposes, information on the stocks handled or held by
them;
(k) advise the Minister on the proper production of
cereals and other produce in relation to the needs of
Tanzania and the extent to which control over the
exportation and importation of cereals and other
produces is desirable or necessary; and
(l) perform any other functions as may be required under
this Act.

tation and importation of cereals and other
produces is desirable or necessary; and
(l) perform any other functions as may be required under
this Act.

(3) In fulfilling its functions, the Authority shall comply
with general or specific directions which the Minister may give. (4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Authority
shall, before issuing permits for the importation or exportation
of wheat, barley and grape concentrate, seek for approval of
the Minister. 5.–(1) There is hereby established a Board of Directors which
shall be the governing body of the Authority and shall consist
of the following members-
(a) a Chairman to be appointed by the President;
Composition of
Board
Act No
19 of 2009 s. 28

he Authority and shall consist
of the following members-
(a) a Chairman to be appointed by the President;
Composition of
Board
Act No
19 of 2009 s. 28

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116
(b) a representative from Tanzania Medicines and Medical
Devices Authority;
(c) a representative from Tanzania Bureau of Standards;
(d) a member from the Ministry responsible for marketing
of agricultural produce;
(e) a member from the Ministry responsible for agriculture;
(f) a member representing the Attorney General’s Office;
(g) a member from the Ministry responsible for local
government authorities; and
(h) two persons who possess knowledge and experience
relevant to the cereals and other produce industry. (2) The Director General shall be the Secretary to the Board. (3) Members of the Board of Directors under subsection (1)
(b) to (h) shall be appointed by the Minister. (4) The provisions of the Schedule to this Act shall have effect
to the terms of office of members, cessation of membership,
proceedings of the Board and other matters relating to the Board. (5) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette,
amend, vary or replace any or all provisions of the Schedule to
this Act.

ting to the Board. (5) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette,
amend, vary or replace any or all provisions of the Schedule to
this Act.

6.–(1) The Board shall, in performing its functions, have
powers to-
(a) delegate any of the powers and functions of the Authority
to any person in the Board or to any Committee established
by the Board or, with the consent of the Minister, to any
other person;
(b) arbitrate between farmers and other dealers of cereals
and other produce; and
(c) train crop grading experts, inspectors, farmers and other
dealers of cereal and other produce. (2) It shall be the duty of the Board in the exercise of its
powers and in the performance of its functions to act in such
a manner as it appears to it appropriate for the purposes of
promoting quality and competitiveness of the cereal and other
produce industry within and outside Tanzania. Powers of Board
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

f
promoting quality and competitiveness of the cereal and other
produce industry within and outside Tanzania. Powers of Board
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

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THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
7. The Board may, for the purposes of facilitating performance of
its functions, establish such number of Committees to perform
specific functions as it may deem necessary. 8. The Board may delegate to any of those committees such of
its powers as it may deem fit. 9. For proper discharging of its functions under this Act,
the Authority may establish zonal offices as may be deemed
appropriate. 10.–(1) The Board shall be-
(a) the disciplinary authority over the Director General
and senior employees of the Board; and
(b) the appellate disciplinary authority for other employees
of the Board. (2) The Minister may make general or specific regulations
prescribing procedures for disciplinary measures against the
management or any employee of the Authority. 11.–(1) The Minister shall, upon recommendations of the Board,
appoint on such terms and conditions a Director General who
shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Board.

all, upon recommendations of the Board,
appoint on such terms and conditions a Director General who
shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Board.

(2) The Director General shall hold office for a term of five
years and may be eligible for re-appointment for one further
term subject to satisfactory performance of his functions. 12.–(1) The Board may appoint such number of senior officers
to the management under the supervision of the Director
General. (2) The Director General shall employ number of employees
to perform the functions of the Board under his supervision
on such terms and conditions stipulated in their employment
contracts. Committees
of Board
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Delegation
of powers or
functions of
Board
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Establishment
of Zonal Offices
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Disciplinary
functions of
Board
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Appointment
of Director
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Appointment
of senior officers
and other staff
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

oard
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Appointment
of Director
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Appointment
of senior officers
and other staff
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

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118
13.–(1) The Authority may appoint and employ upon such
terms and conditions such number of agents and contractors
as it may deem necessary for the better carrying out of its
functions under this Act. (2) The terms and conditions for appointment and
employment shall be contained in a written contract or
agreement entered between the Authority and the agent or
contractor. PART III
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
OF GROWERS AND TRADERS OF
CEREALS AND OTHER PRODUCE
14.–(1) Any person who deals in cereals and other produce
being a trader, processor or warehouse owner or operator shall
be required to apply for registration with the Authority. (2) Application for registration under subsection (1) shall
be made in the prescribed form and shall be submitted to the
Authority which shall upon registration of the dealer, issue a
registration number. (3) The procedures for registration under this section shall
be as may be prescribed in the regulations.

n of the dealer, issue a
registration number. (3) The procedures for registration under this section shall
be as may be prescribed in the regulations.

(4) The Director General may delegate his powers for
registration to the Zonal-Officer in-charge. 15.–(1) The Authority shall, for purposes of facilitating
registration, require registration of all processors of cereals
and other produce to be effected in their respective districts
authorities. (2) The procedures and other requirements for registration
under this section shall be prescribed in the regulations. 16.–(1) A registered farmer may, for the purpose of facilitating
farming activities, enter into contract for farming with a
financier, buyer, processor, investor or banker. Appointment of
agents and other
contractors
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Registration of
growers and
traders
Act No
19 of 2009 s. 28
Registration of
processors
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Contract for
farming
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

ation of
growers and
traders
Act No
19 of 2009 s. 28
Registration of
processors
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Contract for
farming
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

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THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
(2) The contract for farming entered under subsection (1)
shall be in the prescribed standard form and shall contain-
(a) name and address of the registered farmer;
(b) name and address of the financier;
(c) obligations of the parties;
(d) type or kind of facilitation to be granted or loaned to
the farmer;
(e) terms and conditions imposed on the farmer; and
(f) such other information as may be necessary for the
purpose of such contract. (3) A contract for farming entered to under subsection (1)
shall, before being signed, be approved by the Authority. (4) A financier, buyer, processor, investor or banker shall not
facilitate a registered farmer in any manner if that farmer does
not have a contract of farming as required under this section.

or or banker shall not
facilitate a registered farmer in any manner if that farmer does
not have a contract of farming as required under this section.

(5) A person who contravenes this section commits an
offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine of not less
than two million shillings but not exceeding five million
shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than six
months but not exceeding two years or to both. 17.–(1) A farmer who entered into a contract for farming or
any agreement with a financier, buyer, processor, investor or
banker shall submit a copy of the contract or agreement to the
Authority for perusal, advice and registration. (2) The Authority shall monitor the implementation of
contract for farming or agreement in order to protect rights of
both parties. 18.–(1) There shall be a register of growers, traders, processors
and warehouse owners or operators where all matters relating
to cereal and other produce provided for under this Act shall
be entered. (2) The Authority shall cause to be kept and maintained
in such form as the Authority deems fit, a register of all land
planted with cereals or any other produce, owners, occupiers
Registration
of contract for
farming
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Maintenance of
register
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

or any other produce, owners, occupiers
Registration
of contract for
farming
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Maintenance of
register
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

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120
and managers thereof and of all buildings used or intended to
be used for grading, market centers, warehouses and processing
factories. (3) The register kept or maintained by the Authority under
subsection (2) shall be a public document and shall be accessible
to the public upon request and payment of prescribed fee. (4) A person shall have a right to demand and be given an
extract from the register upon payment of fee as prescribed in
the regulations. 19.–(1) A person registered as a cereals and other produce
dealer under this Act shall apply to the Authority for a license
for buying, selling, exporting, importing and processing cereals
and other produce. (2) Application for license shall be in the prescribed form
and shall contain the particulars of the applicant, the cereals
and other produce activities involved, location of the business
and any other information as may be required for that purpose.

applicant, the cereals
and other produce activities involved, location of the business
and any other information as may be required for that purpose.

(3) The Authority may, after consideration of an application
under this section-
(a) issue licence to the applicant upon such terms and
conditions as the Authority may prescribe; or
(b) refuse to issue licence and direct the Director General
to inform the applicant the reasons for refusal. (4) A person shall not buy, process, sell, operate warehouse,
import or export any cereals or other produce on commercial
basis without a licence issued by the Authority. (5) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
of not less than two million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term of not less than one year but not more than three years. 20. The licences granted under the provisions of this Act shall
be in the prescribed form and shall contain-
(a) names and address of the license holder;
(b) the kind of crops involved;
(c) the registration number of the licence holder;
Issuance of
licence
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Form of license
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

ops involved;
(c) the registration number of the licence holder;
Issuance of
licence
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Form of license
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

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THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
(d) terms and conditions as may be imposed on the licence
by the Authority; and
(e) the seal of the Authority and the signature of the Director
General or a person authorised by him. 21.–(1) The Authority may, where the terms and conditions
of the licence have not been complied with, cancel or suspend
any licence issued under this Act. (2) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Authority
pursuant to this section may, within sixty days from the date of
decision of the Authority, appeal to the Minister. (3) Procedures for appeals shall be as may be prescribed in
the regulations. 22. Any person who buys, imports, exports, or processes
cereals and other produce, for commercial purpose, without
a licence issued by the Authority commits an offence and on
conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than two million
shillings but not exceeding five million or to imprisonment for
a term of not less than one year but not more than two years.

ot less than two million
shillings but not exceeding five million or to imprisonment for
a term of not less than one year but not more than two years.

23.–(1) For the purposes of securing proper performance of
its functions under this Act, Authority may require in writing
any department, organisation, authority or body of persons, to
furnish information as may be required. (2) Any person who is required to furnish information
under subsection (1) shall comply with that requirement and
any person who refuses or fails to comply with that requirement
commits an offence. PART IV
CROP GRADING, WEIGHING AND INSPECTION
24.–(1) All cereals or any other produce brought at the buying
centre for sale shall be kept in such grades depending on the
quality of such cereals or any other produce. Cancellation or
suspension of
licence
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Offences relating
to licences
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Power to call
information
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Grading of crops
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

28
Offences relating
to licences
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Power to call
information
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Grading of crops
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

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122
(2) It shall be the duty of the producer or seller of the cereals
and other produce to ensure appropriate grading of the cereal
or other produce prior to selling at the centre. (3) A person with a valid trading license in cereals or other
produce shall grade and weigh the produce by a duly registered
grading expert authorised by the Authority. (4) A person who trades in un-graded cereal or other produce,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
of not less than five million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term of not less than six months but not more than two years
or to both. (5) A person who purports to grade the cereals or other
produce without qualification as a grading expert registered
by the Authority, commits an offence and on conviction shall
be liable to a fine of not less than two million shillings but
not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term of not less than one year but not more than three years
or to both.

n shillings but
not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term of not less than one year but not more than three years
or to both.

(6) The Authority shall make rules in respect of procedures
for grading, processing, storage, transportation and marketing
of each crop. 25. The Authority shall appoint technically trained persons to
be grading experts for relevant crops who shall verify grades
of the crops. 26.–(1) The Authority may appoint competent persons to be
inspectors who shall have and exercise powers generally to
supervise the arrangement for land preparation, cultivation,
processing and export of cereals and other produce. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the
inspector shall have and exercise such other powers including
the inspection of fields, processing plants, marketing centres,
the taking of samples and the certifying of weight and quality
of crops as are provided for in this Act or as may be prescribed
in relevant regulations. Appointment of
grading experts
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Appointment of
inspectors
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

may be prescribed
in relevant regulations. Appointment of
grading experts
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Appointment of
inspectors
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

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THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
(3) A person appointed by the Authority under subsection
(1) shall perform duties upon such terms and condition as may
be determined by the Authority. 27.–(1) An inspector or any other person duly authorised in
writing in that behalf may, at any reasonable time, enter into
any vehicle, carrier or any place where cereals or other produce
are grown, processed, packed, stored or sold and inspect or
examine the same for the purpose of ensuring compliance
with the provisions of this Act. (2) The inspector or any authorised person may, in the
exercise of this powers under this Act, take samples of any crop
or its by product found in or in any store, plant or carrier, or
any other place or premises including any land and may test
such samples as he may deem necessary.

duct found in or in any store, plant or carrier, or
any other place or premises including any land and may test
such samples as he may deem necessary.

(3) Any person who obstructs the inspector or any other
authorised person in the exercise of the power conferred upon
him by this Act, or who neglects or refuses to produce to the
inspector or an authorised person, books, records or anything
which may be required for the purpose of inspection, commits
an offence. PART V
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
28. The funds and resources of the Authority shall consist of-
(a) such sums of money as may be appropriated by the
Parliament;
(b) money raised by way of loans, donations or grants from
within and outside Tanzania;
(c) loan or subsidy granted to the Authority by the
Government or any other person;
(d) such sums of money or property which may become
payable to or vested in the Authority under this Act
or any other written law or in respect of any matter
incidental to the carrying out of its functions. Power of
inspectors
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Funds and
resources of
Authority
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

ncidental to the carrying out of its functions. Power of
inspectors
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Funds and
resources of
Authority
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
124
29.–(1) The Authority shall cause to be kept and maintained
proper books of accounts with respect to-
(a) sums of money received and expended by the authority
and matters in respect of which the receipt and
expenditure take place;
(b) assets and liabilities of the Authority; and
(c) the income and expenditure statement of the Authority. (2) The auditing of the financial reports and books of
accounts of the Authority shall be done, by either Controller
and Auditor-General or a person authorised by him. 30.–(1) The Authority shall, not later than six months after
the end of financial year, submit to the Minister a copy of the
audited accounts and annual report on the activities of the
Authority in respect of that year. (2) The Minister shall, within a period of six months after
the accounts have been audited, lay the audited accounts and
audit report before the National Assembly.

ter shall, within a period of six months after
the accounts have been audited, lay the audited accounts and
audit report before the National Assembly.

(3) For the purpose of this section, “financial year” of the
Authority shall be a period not exceeding twelve consecutive
months which conform to the financial year of the Government. 31. The Chairman and other members of the Board of the
Authority shall be entitled to allowances at such rates as
the Minister may, upon the recommendation of the Board,
approve. PART VI
[OMITTED]
Books of accounts
and audit
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Annual report
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Remuneration
of members
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

[OMITTED]
Books of accounts
and audit
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Annual report
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Remuneration
of members
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.125
THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
PART VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
32. The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette,
designate any agricultural crop or food commodity that he
considers essential for the food security in the country for the
purposes of national food security. 33.–(1) In order to guarantee food security at household level,
any person in charge of a household shall ensure food security
within his household. (2) The local government authority may, in consultation with
the Minister, make by-laws to facilitate effective enforcement
of subsection (1). 34.

ld. (2) The local government authority may, in consultation with
the Minister, make by-laws to facilitate effective enforcement
of subsection (1). 34.

Any person who-
(a) refuses or fails to furnish any requested information
under this Act or furnishes false information;
(b) obstructs or prevents any officer from exercising his
powers under this Act;
(c) tampers with any information or goods that may be
required by any officer for the purposes of enforcements
of this Act;
(d) fails to cooperate with any office in enforcement of this
Act; or
(e) fails to comply with any provisions of this Act,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
of not less than two million shillings but not exceeding five
million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less
than six months but not exceeding three years or to both. 35. An act or thing done or omitted to be done by any member
of the Authority or committee, staff, servant or agent of the
Authority shall not, if the act or thing was done in good faith
for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act or of
Designation
of agricultural
crop or food
commodities for
national food
security
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Duty to ensure
food security at
household level
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Offences and
penalty
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Protection
of members
Act No.

8
Duty to ensure
food security at
household level
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Offences and
penalty
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Protection
of members
Act No.

19 of 2009 s. 28

19 of 2009 s. 28

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
126
any order or regulations made thereunder, render such person
to any action, liability, claim or demand whatsoever. 36.–(1) Where any court convicts any person of an offence
under this Act or under any subsidiary legislation made under
it, may order in addition to any penalty imposed, the forfeiture
by the Government of the property in respect of which the
offence has been committed. (2) Any property forfeited under this section shall be
delivered to the Government and shall vest in the Authority
free of any mortgage, charge, lien or other encumbrance. (3) The Minister shall have the power to determine the
procedures for disposal of anything forfeited to the Government
under subsection (2). 37.–(1) Any person who contravenes provisions of this Act,
commits an offence and except otherwise provided in the
provision on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than
five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less
than one year but not exceeding three years or to both.

le to a fine of not less than
five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less
than one year but not exceeding three years or to both.

(2) Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body
corporate, that body corporate shall on conviction be liable to
a fine of not less than ten million shillings. 38. Where any offence under this Act or subsidiary legislation
made under this Act is committed by a body corporate, any
person who, at the time of the commission of the offence was
concerned, as a director or an officer, with the management of
the affairs of the body corporate, commits an offence and shall
be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly
unless he proves to the satisfaction of the court that he had no
knowledge and could not by the exercise of reasonable diligence
have had knowledge of the commission of the offence. 39. Where an offence under this Act or any subsidiary legislation
made under this Act is committed by a person or an agent or
employee of the principal then, such agent or employee, the
principal or employer commits an offence and shall be liable
Forfeiture
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
General penalty
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Offences by body
corporate
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Offences by
agents
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

of 2009 s. 28
General penalty
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Offences by body
corporate
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Offences by
agents
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.127
THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
to be proceeded against and punished accordingly unless he
proves to the satisfaction of the court that he had no knowledge
and could not by the exercise of reasonable diligence have had
knowledge of the commission of the offence. 40. Where any order or direction made or given by the Minister
or the Authority under this Act is not required to be published
in the Gazette, the order or direction shall be brought to the
notice of persons affected or likely to be affected thereby in a
manner determined by the Minister, or as the case may be, the
Authority. 41. In any proceedings for an offence under this Act the
burden to prove that the order, direction or requirements, the
contravention of which constitutes the offence with which
the accused is charged, shall not lie on the accused. 42.–(1) The Minister may make regulations for effective
implementation of the provisions of this Act.

ccused is charged, shall not lie on the accused. 42.–(1) The Minister may make regulations for effective
implementation of the provisions of this Act.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred
by subsection (1), of this section the regulation shall-
(a) prescribe for the better performance of the duties of the
Authority;
(b) direct or prohibit the movement of cereals or other
produce within or outside the country, either generally
or in specified circumstances and subject to any conditions
which may be specified;
(c) prescribe for the manner in which data shall be collected
and maintained by the Authority;
(d) prescribe for the procedures for making any application
and registration of farmers or dealers of cereal and
other agricultural produce;
(e) prescribe for fees to be charged under this Act;
(f) prescribe for the establishment and functions of any
subcommittees, zones or centres;
(g) prescribe for the standards of products of every dealer
in relation to the trade in any cereals and other produce;
Notification
of orders and
directions
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Burden of proof
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Power to make
regulations
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

fication
of orders and
directions
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Burden of proof
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28
Power to make
regulations
Act No. 19 of 2009 s. 28

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
128
(h) prescribe for the necessary conditions for ensuring
food security at the household level; and
(i) prescribe for any other matter or thing which is required
or necessary to be prescribed or provided for under
this Act. PART VIII
[OMITTED]
SCHEDULE2
(Made under section 5(4))
PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE CEREALS AND OTHER
PRODUCES REGULATORY AUTHORITY
1. A member of the Board of Directors appointed in terms of this
Act, shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of his
appointment and may be eligible for re-appointment for one further
term of three years. 2.–(1) Notwithstanding paragraph 1, any member of the Board may
at any time resign from the Board by giving notice in writing to the
Minister and from the date specified in the notice or, if no date is so
specified, from the date of receipt of the notice by the Minister, he shall
cease to be a member.

he date specified in the notice or, if no date is so
specified, from the date of receipt of the notice by the Minister, he shall
cease to be a member.

(2) Where a person ceases to be a Board member for any reason
before the expiration of his term of office, the Minister shall appoint
another person in his place and the person so appointed shall hold
office for the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor. 3. The Board shall meet four times a year for ordinary business and may
convene extra ordinary meetings at any time as it deem necessary for
discharging its functions under the Act. 4. The Board shall appoint one of their members to be a Vice Chairman. 5.–(1) All meetings of the Board shall be convened by the Chairman
or, in his absence, by the Vice Chairman and, in the absence of both
the Chairman and the Vice Chairman from the meeting, the members
2 This Schedule has been introduced by Act No. 19 of 2009, section 28. Tenure of office of
members
Resignation
Number of
meetings
Vice Chairman
Proceedings of
meetings

as been introduced by Act No. 19 of 2009, section 28. Tenure of office of
members
Resignation
Number of
meetings
Vice Chairman
Proceedings of
meetings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.129
THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
present shall elect one of their members to be an interim chairman of
that meeting. (2) The Chairman, or in the absence, the Vice-Chairman, shall convene
a special meeting of the Board upon a request in writing signed by not
less than four members of the Board and shall cause such a meeting to
be held within twenty-one days of receiving such request. 6. The Board may co-opt any person to attend any deliberations of the
meeting of the Board as an expert but such person so co-opted shall not
have the right to vote. 7.–(1) The Board shall make its decision by voting during the meeting and
in case of any equality in the votes the Chairman or any other person
presiding at meeting shall have a casting vote. (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1) decisions may be made
by the Board by circulation of papers to the members whereby each
member shall express his views in writing provided that any member
may require that any such decision be deferred for discussion at a full
meeting of the Board.

ll express his views in writing provided that any member
may require that any such decision be deferred for discussion at a full
meeting of the Board.

(3) A circular resolution in writing signed by all members for the
time being in Tanzania shall be as effectual as a decision made at a
meeting provided that a member may require that notwithstanding the
director’s signature the matter be brought at the following Board. 8. Half of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum at any
meeting and all acts, matters and things to be done by the Board shall
be decided by a simple majority of the members present at the meeting. 9. Subject to the provision of this Schedule relating to quorum, the
Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the members thereof
and act or proceeding of the Board shall not be invalid by reason only
of some defect in the appointment of a person who purports to be a
member thereof. 10. A member who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in a
contract or proposed contract or any matter being deliberately by the
Board shall declare the nature of his interest to the other members. 11. Minutes in proper form of each meeting of the Board shall be kept
and shall be confirmed by the Board at its next meeting and signed by
the Chairman of the meeting.

per form of each meeting of the Board shall be kept
and shall be confirmed by the Board at its next meeting and signed by
the Chairman of the meeting.

12.–(1) There shall be a common seal of the Board which shall be of
such shape, size and form as the Board may determine. (2) The seal of the Board shall not be affixed to any deed, instrument,
contracts or agreement to which the Board is a party except in the
Co-opted
members
Decision of Board
Quorum
Vacancies
A member to
declare interest
Minutes
Seal of Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE FOOD SECURITY ACT [CAP. 249 R.E. 2023]
130
presence of the Chairman of the Board or any other member authorised
by him, Chief Executive Officer or a person authorised by him.
13. Subject to the provisions of this Act the Board shall have power to
regulate its own procedures in respect of the meetings and the proper
conduct of its business.
Power to regulate
its procedures