Assessment of Current Post-harvest Handling Techniques for Mango and Avocado in Mbeya region, Tanzania: Challenges and Opportunities for Improvemen
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Elsevior
Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica) and avocado (Persea americana) are valuable fruits in Tanzania, known for their nutritional and economic importance. However, their perishability leads to significant post-harvest losses, especially for smallholder farmers in Mbeya. The limited knowledge about post-harvest handling identifies a research gap. This study assessed practices and challenges among mango and avocado farmers to improve handling techniques. A survey of 150 smallholder farmers in Kyela and Rungwe districts (August–September 2024) examined harvesting, storage, transportation, and post-harvest challenges. Data analysis revealed that 64 % of farmers use traditional harvesting methods that lead to mechanical damage. While 68.8 % manually hand-harvest, others rely on tree shaking (8.3 %) and sticks or stones (18.8 %), further increasing fruit damage. Storage at ambient temperature (46 %) fails to extend shelf-life, causing rapid quality deterioration. Trans portation by motorcycle (44 %) and head carrying (34 %) exposes fruits to damage. Key challenges included fruit drop (36 %), rotting before harvest (28 %), and insect infestation (24 %). Only 23.4 % of farmers had reliable market access, highlighting a major constraint. Education level influenced challenges, with lower-educated farmers facing more rotting and pest issues. Findings indicate current post-harvest practices are inadequate, leading to major losses. Simple, cost-effective technologies like edible coatings and training on improved har vesting, storage, and transportation are necessary. Investment in affordable cold storage and better transport infrastructure is crucial. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance mango and avocado value chains in Tanzania.
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This Journal Article was published by Elsevior