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

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.