Title: Unpacking the harvest losses challenges to enhancing food security among farming communities in Southern Highland, Tanzania

Authors: Brown Gwambene

Addresses: Faculty of Science and Education, University of Iringa, P.O. Box 200, Iringa, Tanzania

Abstract: Achieving food security and sustainable agriculture requires reducing harvest losses and enhancing productivity. This study investigated postharvest storage and preservation challenges in the southern highlands of Tanzania using a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected through household questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations from 147 households, representing 11% of the target population. Findings revealed significant challenges in crop harvest management, including labour access (73.5%), crop variety choice (68.0%), harvest practices (56.5%), and technology adoption (41.5%). Traditional storage and preservation methods, such as storing on house roofs (97%) and packing in bags (71%), are shifting due to theft and modernisation. Statistical analysis showed significant changes in bag packing (p = 0.000). To improve postharvest practices, respondents suggested enhancing processing knowledge (74.1%), improving storage infrastructure (67.3%), and facilitating market access (61.9%). Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining food and nutrition security and promoting the well-being of farming communities in the region.

Keywords: postharvest loss; food security; smallholder farmers; production process; resilient livelihoods.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2026.153980

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2026 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.134 - 151

Received: 23 Jan 2024
Accepted: 20 Dec 2024
Published online: 09 Jun 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article