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Tanzania Cold Chain Solutions

Post-harvest loss is a challenge for every country in the world. While in industrialized countries more than 40% of losses occur at retail and consumer stage, in developing countries like Tanzania more than 40% of food losses are at post-harvest and processing levels. 

Studies show that post-harvest losses in Tanzania range from 15 -40 % depending on the type of crop. With agriculture contributing close to 30% of GDP in Tanzania, the country’s GDP can rise through proper post-harvest management and developing the needed infrastructure in the value chain. 

Among the major factors affecting post-harvest quality is storage. Traditionally, in many Tanzanian farms once the crop is harvested, it is transported to the marketplace in non-refrigerated vehicles. The local marketplaces also don’t have cold rooms to store these cops. As a result, the shelf life of crops decreases drastically leading to post harvest loss. 

Post-harvest loss doesn’t apply to crops only. Fish and dairy are other areas that experience such loss. Dairy farmers are unable to collect greater amount of milk and store it due to lack of cold storage facilities or the facilities being far from them. Fishermen are also unable to catch greater quantity of fish for fear of it spoiling over a long period of time.  

The government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Agriculture acknowledge that post-harvest loss is a critical problem in achieving food security. The ministry has drafted the National Post-harvest Management Strategy and other interventions outlined in the Agricultural Sector Development Programme Phase II (ASDP II) that aim to reduce post-harvest losses by 50%. 

Opportunities for U.S Companies 

  • Construction and provision of cold storage warehouses 

  • Refrigerators to warehouses that lack cold rooms 

  • Refrigerated trucks 

  • Spare parts and maintenance for cold rooms 

For additional business insights and to analyze your company’s prospects in this growing region, contact Commercial Specialist Athanasius Lupatu at the U.S Commercial Service, U.S Embassy, Dar es Salaam, (+255) 22-229-4341, Athanasius.Lupatu@trade.gov.

Webinar & Virtual Connections 

This report is part of a larger project titled “Cold Chain Solutions Virtual Connections.”  The project kicks off with a Webinar featuring Sub-Saharan Africa Commercial Specialists on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 11:00 am – Noon Eastern Time for a market overview Webinar, an opportunity to ask questions to market experts, and more information on how you can enter the Sub-Saharan Cold Chain market.  Link:  https://bit.ly/SSAcold-chain 

Following the webinar, companies offing U.S. cold chain solutions can connect with buying opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.  The Virtual Connection will provide additional curated matchmaking sessions to meet buyers and government officials in up to three of the markets presented.   Between 1–3 virtual introductions will be organized by local U.S. trade specialists who will guide you through the next steps so you can make the sale.  For details, contact Haley.Milan@trade.gov or Susan.Murray@trade.gov.