Title: Linkages between postharvest losses and farmers' vulnerability to poverty: insights from Tanzania

Authors: Fides John Izdori; Effie Papargyropoulou; Selma Tuemumunu Karuaihe; David Mkwambisi

Addresses: Department of Water Resources Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania ' Institute of Sustainability Research, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK ' Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa ' Institute of Industrial Research and Innovation, Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Malawi

Abstract: Developing countries experience high post-harvest loss (PHL), leading to lower amount of food that reaches the table and food insecurity. This research employs a case study approach in the tomato supply chains of Iringa and Morogoro regions of Tanzania to explore the link between postharvest loss and vulnerability to poverty. Applying mixed methods approach for data collection and analysis, we found a number of vulnerability factors that increase PHL on the farm side FSC. Furthermore, smallholder farmers bear the consequences of these PHL on the farmside alone, reducing their revenues and capacity to invest in strategies to reduce loss on the next season. This sinks them deeper into poverty. Therefore, interventions to reduce PHL should also be directed at addressing the farmers' vulnerability. We propose investing in multi-sectoral solutions that involve other FSC stakeholders in addressing PHL.

Keywords: postharvest losses; value chain; stakeholder collaborations; small-holder farmers; vulnerability; tomato; food supply chain; poverty; PHL; Tanzania.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2026.153996

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2026 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.201 - 218

Received: 31 Jan 2024
Accepted: 21 Dec 2024
Published online: 09 Jun 2026 *

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