Pemba, Zanzibar: New Initiative to Combat Post-Harvest Losses in Horticulture
In a significant move to strengthen Zanzibar’s horticultural sector, a groundbreaking project has been launched aimed at significantly reducing post-harvest losses. The initiative, branded “Feed the Future Tanzania, Tuhifadhi Chakula” (Let’s Save Food), is set to benefit over 10,000 horticultural stakeholders in Zanzibar over the next four years.
This initiative addresses a critical issue in the horticultural sub-sector, where farmers face alarming post-harvest losses of up to 40%. This staggering waste translates into an estimated economic loss of approximately $1.7 billion annually.
A pivotal field day event recently took place in Pemba, drawing hundreds of farmers keen to learn about the latest advancements in post-harvest management technologies (PHMT). Attendees participated in hands-on training sessions focused on essential practices such as food handling, storage, and value addition, led by industry experts.
The deputy chief of the "Feed the Future Tanzania, Tuhifadhi Chakula" project highlighted the importance of these educational sessions. Recent stakeholder interactions conducted by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) revealed significant gaps in the availability and understanding of PHMT options among farmers.
Key challenges faced by farmers include insufficient capital and knowledge pertaining to modern harvesting technologies, storage methods, and innovative processing techniques. The field day was organized as a collaborative platform to bridge these gaps and promote effective post-harvest practices.
This initiative not only offers hope for improved agricultural practices but also sets the stage for sustainable growth and increased resilience within Zanzibar’s horticultural community. The event culminated in affirmations about the transformative impacts of these new strategies, providing farmers a promising outlook for the future.
Local agricultural officials emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences among farmers. They recognized the day as an opportunity to foster a robust network of horticulture practitioners in Pemba, aimed at minimizing crop loss through improved education and resources.
Overall, this decisive action by Taha and its partners is positioned to advance the horticultural industry in Zanzibar, contributing to food security and economic stability in the region.
