Zanzibar Launches Innovative Project to Revolutionize Horticultural Sector and Reduce Post-Harvest Losses
Pemba, Tanzania – A groundbreaking initiative targeting post-harvest losses in the horticultural sector is set to transform agricultural practices in Zanzibar. The strategic project aims to address critical challenges facing local farmers by implementing advanced management technologies and comprehensive training programs.
Official data reveals alarming post-harvest losses of up to 40 percent, representing an estimated economic loss of $1.7 billion annually. The comprehensive program will engage over 10,000 horticultural stakeholders over the next four years, focusing on critical areas of agricultural improvement.
The recent farmers’ field day in Pemba served as a crucial platform for knowledge transfer, providing farmers with hands-on training in essential areas such as food handling, storage, and value addition processes. Key objectives include bridging technological gaps, enhancing crop preservation techniques, and creating sustainable agricultural practices.
Participants highlighted significant challenges, including limited access to capital, insufficient knowledge about harvest technologies, and inadequate storage and processing methods. The initiative aims to address these critical barriers through practical training and innovative solutions.
Agricultural officials emphasized the importance of networking and knowledge exchange among farmers. The program seeks to create a robust support system that empowers local agricultural communities, improves food security, and ultimately boosts economic resilience in the region.
This forward-thinking approach promises transformative impacts, offering Zanzibar’s horticultural farmers unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth and improved agricultural practices.
