Global food security is threatened by the significant loss of food throughout the supply chain, especially in developing countries. Approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted annually, amounting to 1.3 billion tonnes. This loss is particularly severe in sub-Saharan Africa, where per capita food loss ranges from 100 to 170 kilograms per year. Food losses occur at various stages, including production, post-harvest handling, processing, distribution, and consumption. While most food loss and waste (FLW) occurs during consumption in high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries experience the majority of FLW at the post-harvest stage.
Post-harvest losses (PHL) vary significantly among different crop varieties, consumption groups, and stages of the supply chain. Currently, the burden of PHL primarily falls on smallholder farmers, impacting their income and ability to invest in agricultural improvements. The fragmented and unequal power dynamics within food supply chains in the Iringa and Morogoro regions of Tanzania hinder collaboration and contribute to the exploitation of smallholder farmers. To address these challenges, multi-sectoral solutions are necessary to empower smallholder farmers and promote their voices. The government can play a crucial role by creating a conducive regulatory environment that encourages collaboration, establishes standards, and provides incentives for businesses to adopt collaborative practices towards the reduction of PHL and improved food security for smallholder farmers in Tanzania.
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