Stakeholder Perceptions of Fish and Vegetable Value Chains in Tanzania: Affordability and Safety Insights
DOWNLOADDecember 3, 2024 - Ayala Wineman, Lenis Saweda O. Liverpool-Tasie, Isaac Minde, Gideon Boniface
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EmailThis report presents findings from a 2023 survey conducted as part of the RSM2SNF project to understand stakeholder perceptions of fish and vegetable value chains in Tanzania. With input from 276 stakeholders across government, academia, and private sectors, the report investigates challenges related to affordability and food safety, alongside broader value chain dynamics.
Key challenges identified include high costs of inputs and equipment, weak infrastructure for food safety, and inconsistent regulations. For fish, environmental contamination and poor storage facilities are major barriers to safety. For vegetables, unclean irrigation water is a critical safety issue.
Stakeholders emphasized affordability over food safety, with many prioritizing subsidies, cash transfers, and training for MSMEs to improve production efficiency. Food safety measures, such as hygiene infrastructure and stricter enforcement, were viewed as less urgent, reflecting economic constraints and consumer priorities.
Gender dynamics also emerged as significant, with women playing prominent roles in vegetable value chains but underrepresented in fish-related activities. This disparity highlights the need for gender-inclusive interventions.
The report concludes with recommendations to bolster Tanzania's agrifood system:
- Enhance infrastructure for cold storage and irrigation.
- Develop policies to integrate affordability and safety priorities.
- Conduct gender-focused training to equalize opportunities in value chains.
- Improve data systems to monitor food safety and affordability effectively.
These findings will inform ongoing RSM2SNF efforts and other initiatives aimed at creating resilient, equitable, and sustainable value chains in Tanzania.
