Some of the onion storage facilities demonstrated at Farmers’ Field Day in Pemba Zanzibar as part of the broad mission to tackle post-harvest loss. Photo: Courtesy
Taha launches Initiative to tackle post-harvest losses in Zanzibar’s Horticultural Industry.
By Adonis Byemelwa, Pemba
To strengthen Zanzibar’s horticultural industry, the Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) introduced an ambitious project yesterday focused on reducing post-harvest losses and waste.
Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the “Feed the Future Tanzania, Tuhifadhi Chakula” (Let’s Save Food) initiative aims to tackle inefficiencies in the agricultural value chain by promoting modern practices and technology adoption.
The project, set to engage over 10,000 stakeholders in Zanzibar over the next four years, aims to address critical challenges hindering the sector’s growth.
The horticultural industry has long faced significant losses, with post-harvest waste accounting for up to 40 percent of produce.
Between 2012 and 2016, these losses resulted in an estimated economic loss of $1.7 billion.
One of the key events of the initiative was a farmers’ field day held in Pemba, which attracted hundreds of local farmers eager to learn from horticultural experts and industry actors.
The field day offered hands-on demonstrations and information on vital post-harvest management technologies (PHMT), focusing on areas such as proper food handling, storage methods, and value-addition techniques.
Kelvin Remen, Deputy Chief of the Party for the project, highlighted the importance of these practical sessions.
He explained that earlier consultations with stakeholders in Zanzibar revealed a lack of access to financing and limited awareness about post-harvest management technologies, including modern harvest techniques, improved storage systems, processing innovations, and efficient packaging methods.
The field day was organized to address these gaps, foster collaboration, and introduce solutions to improve the sector’s overall efficiency.
“This project aims to modernize horticultural practices in Zanzibar, helping to build a more resilient and sustainable industry,” said Remen.
“By empowering farmers with knowledge and tools, we can significantly enhance their livelihoods and create a brighter future for the industry.”
Engineer Indris Abdullah, Officer in Charge of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences among farmers.
He stressed that the field day not only focused on improving post-harvest practices but also facilitated the creation of a strong, interconnected network of farmers in Pemba.
“The event has been instrumental in enhancing post-harvest management and building a supportive community of horticultural farmers,” Engineer Abdullah noted.
“Taha’s efforts are crucial in linking farmers to markets and financial services, which are vital for improving productivity and ensuring food security in Zanzibar.”
Abdullah also commended TAHA for its ongoing advocacy to create a favorable environment for the growth of Zanzibar’s horticultural sector, enabling farmers to access the resources and support they need for success.
The “Feed the Future Tanzania, Tuhifadhi Chakula” project is setting a benchmark for innovation and collaboration in the horticultural industry. Its long-term goals include improving food security, increasing economic opportunities for farmers, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the sector in Zanzibar.
