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• THE INFLUENCE OF GOVERNANCE ON FOOD LOSS AND WASTE: A TANZANIAN PINEAPPLE VALUE CHAIN PERSPECTIVE

  Anna Kanyangemu

  Betty Waized

  Florens Turuka

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  0

  Food loss and waste remain a substantial challenge in agricultural value chains, particularly in developing countries. This study examines the influence of governance of food loss and waste within the pineapple value chain in Tanzania. Using qualitative methods, data were collected in Dar es Salaam. Geita, Morogoro, and Pwani regions through focus group discussions, interviews, and observations. The study mapped actors and explored the role of governance, power dynamics, and coordination, drawing on resource dependence and institutional theories to explain how actor relationships, power imbalances, and institutional influences shape food loss and waste. Three types of governance structures were revealed- Spot market, captive, and relational structures, affecting food loss differently. In the captive governance structures, pre-finance arrangements lock farmers into selling only to specific traders, often leading to significant on-farm losses when market conditions shift. Spot markets, on the other hand, generate losses when harvested fruits do not meet the informal standards set by buyers, such as size, ripeness, and other physical attributes, due to limited market information. Weak coordination, information asymmetry, and power imbalances among value chain actors contribute to substantial food loss and waste. Main challenges faced by farmers include poor access to markets, financial constraints, and weak bargaining power. Institutional gaps, including weak regulatory frameworks and inadequate support from government and private sector, exacerbate inefficiencies. The study emphasizes that governance plays a central role in shaping food loss and waste. Strengthening farmers' associations, improving market linkages, and addressing institutional gaps are critical for reducing food loss and waste and increasing value chain resilience. 

• A Value chain analysis of Sesame (Sesame Indicum L.) in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

  Kutoya Kusse

  Gedion Ermias

  Dawit Darcho

  Views:

  506

  Sesame is the main cash crop in Ethiopia and it is mainly produced in northern and southern part of the country especially South Omo Zone. In the zone sesame is highly produced, but it production is not known regionally and at a country level. So this study was aimed to research sesame value chain of the Zone. Simple descriptive statistics and value chain approach were employed for data analysis during this study. It attempts to deal with mapping and identifying sesame value chain actors and their roles, examines marketing channel, cost margin structure and assessing challenges and opportunities within the study area. The results of the study indicated that out 5589.3 quintals were supplied to markets for various actors and five alternative marketing channels were identified to transact the sesame product through intermediaries. The most important volume of sesame (4900.8 quintals) was marketed through channel V and the lowest volume in channel I. producers get the highest share in channel IV and the lowest in channel II. Barriers to entry traders into the market are that the capital requirement and therefore the wholesalers govern by volume transacted and internal control criteria within the market. Fertile land and high demand for the product were essential opportunity. Pests and disease, Low level of input utilization, Shortage of input supply and high price of inputs were the challenges of sesame production whereas lack of market information, price variability, delay of buyers, low bargaining power and poor product quality were the challenges sesame marketing.