EVIDENCE-BASED SCALING OF IMPROVED ON-FARM STORAGE AMONG SMALLHOLDERS IN TANZANIA (PHASE 2) - PHM

The Evidence-based Scaling of Improved On-Farm Storage among Smallholders in Tanzania (2024–2026) project is implemented by the University of Zurich, Helvetas Tanzania, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), and Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT). The project aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food and nutrition security, and enhance incomes of smallholder farmers through increased adoption of hermetic storage bags. Building on evidence from Phase I, the project promotes affordable access to hermetic storage through deferred payment mechanisms, digital ordering systems, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy for fiscal incentives such as VAT exemption.

Project Goal: The project aims at improving food and nutrition security and economic opportunities among smallholder farming households in the regions of Katavi (Nsimbo DC, Tanganyika DC, Mlele and Mpimbwe DC) and Rukwa (Sumbawanga DC, Sumbawanga MC, Kalambo and Nkasi DC) through the adoption of improved on-farm grain storage

Project Direct Beneficiaries: The project will contributes to improve the livelihoods of 100,000 smallholder farming households in Tanzania through increased awareness, access and conditions when purchasing hermetic storage bags.

Project Local Partners: Community-based groups, local government authorities, Agrodealers, local service providers, private sectors, farmer groups

TRACKING PROGRESS: HOUSEHOLD REACH, FINANCING MECHANISMS, INNOVATION, AND POLICY ADVOCACY

The project has made significant strides in expanding access to hermetic storage technologies among smallholder farmers in Tanzania. During Phase II implementation, 48,023 households have been reachedachieving 96% of the 50,000-household target demonstrating strong uptake and community level penetration. This scale of reach reflects growing awareness of post-harvest loss reduction strategies and the tangible benefits that hermetic storage offers for preserving grain quality, as evidenced by beneficiaries who report maize remaining in excellent condition for extended periods, safeguarding both household food supplies and marketable surpluses.

Beyond direct household reach, the project has successfully operationalized inclusive financing and distribution channels to lower affordability barriers. Through partnerships with 176 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), farmers now access hermetic bags via deferred payment arrangements, while an additional 187 VSLA groups have been sensitized to provide collateral support for members. These financial innovations have been complemented by a digital SMS-based ordering system, which has generated 7,046 bag orders 6,836 of which have been delivered through Local Service Providers. This combination of flexible payment options and last-mile delivery has effectively bridged the gap between rural demand and supply, ensuring that even farmers in remote areas can adopt the technology.

Parallel to these operational achievements, the project has elevated the conversation around hermetic storage at the national policy level, advocating for fiscal incentives that would further enhance affordability and scalability. A policy brief has been developed, and sustained engagement with parliamentary and government stakeholders is advancing the case for VAT exemption on hermetic storage bags. Together, these efforts on-the ground distribution, community financing, digital innovation, and policy advocacy are creating a replicable, sustainable model that extends beyond the project's current geographic scope, positioning hermetic storage as a mainstream solution for reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening smallholder resilience across Tanzania.