Postharvest food loss reduction and agriculture policy framework in Tanzania: status and way forward

This study examines Tanzania’s agricultural policy framework in relation to postharvest food loss reduction, in light of Tanzania's commitment to the African Union Postharvest Loss Management Strategy (AU-PHLMS) established under the Malabo Declaration. This framework aims to cut postharvest food losses in Africa by 50% by 2025. However, despite the high rate of food loss, Tanzanian policies remain predominantly focused on increasing food production rather than addressing postharvest loss.

The study, using a scoping review of policies from the 1990s to 2022, reveals that nearly half of the food produced in Tanzania fails to reach consumers due to postharvest losses. This oversight threatens Tanzania’s food security goals, as productivity improvements alone may not suffice. The author suggests that for Tanzania to achieve food security, there must be a dual focus on both increasing crop yields and implementing effective postharvest management strategies. The study calls for policy integration that prioritizes postharvest loss management and investment in targeted programs that support small-scale farmers in reducing food loss.