Towards food security in semi-arid regions: the role of small-scale food processing industries in Dodoma city, Tanzania
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Date
2022-10-05
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Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Community Development
Abstract
The power of small-scale food processing industries is based on their
ability to improve food security by ensuring availability throughout the year.
This study used primary and secondary data to obtain information on
small-scale food processing industries in semi-arid regions of Tanzania
and associated implications for improving food security. About 30 food
processors and 6 key informants were available to answer interview
questions. It was revealed that men dominated food-processing industries
by 93.3%. In addition, food processors comprised medium, small and
micro-scale food processors by 20%, 29.23% and 50.7%, respectively.
However, the food processing industry faces many challenges such as
inadequate funding, stringent government rules and rigid bureaucratic
procedures, shortage of raw materials, poor technology and unreliable
electric power supply. Supporting the improvement of food processing
industries in Dodoma will aid in decreasing post-harvest losses by
increasing the shelf life of the agricultural product. In turn, the support will
help in overcoming food insecurity in the area. Therefore, it is
recommended that the government should provide more support to the
food processors to enable them to overcome the challenges for improved
livelihood.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Food processing, Enterprise, Food security, Semiarid, Self-sufficient ratio (SSR), Population growth