Grain Post-Harvest Loss Prevention GPLP

85% of Tanzania’s population (44.9 million people, census 2012) live in rural areas and rely on agriculture as their main source of income and livelihood. Small holders (with less than 3 hectares) constitute the majority of the population, 74% of which are women. Tanzania’s real agricultural growth at approximately 4.4% (2011) is much below the national target of 10% and rural poverty and household food insecurity are still high. Post harvest losses (PHL) are high in the range of 15 to 40% for different crops, but are of particular concern for grains (30%), especially cereals and pulses, which form the base for food and income for a majority of rural Tanzanians. Past agriculture strategies have not paid adequate attention to PHL issues in efforts to increase food and income security. Although currently the policy environment is more receptive to the importance of grain PHL, the household level, where the greatest losses occur, is still neglected.

Reduced post harvest losses in food grains in the Central Corridor of Tanzania and improved food security and incomes for targeted farming households as well as rural employment through appropriate technology, capacity building and informed policy.

Small farmers in the Central Corridor, tinsmiths, hardware suppliers, local training institutions.

1. Targeted 20’000 smallholder households have a better capacity to store grains.
2. Metal silo market and alternative post-harvest technology markets are in place.
3. Post harvest policies and framework conditions in Tanzania are improved.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

This is the first phase and it intends to replicate the similar successful SDC Project in Central America known as Postcosecha. CIMMYT, the International Wheat and Maize Center established that such a replication for the Eastern and Southern Africa is possible. A feasibility study conducted by SDC in 2012 in the central corridor of Tanzania recommends the approach with adaptations to suit the context (facilitation of access of poor farmers to finance).

Farmers associations, small industries development organisations, private sector, development partners, government ministries, central and local government, and research institutions.

Fase 1 01.10.2010 - 31.12.2017   (Completed)