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Tanzania is looking to strengthen food preservation and agricultural research as the government seeks to improve food security and help farmers get more value from their harvests.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba discussed the country’s agricultural development efforts with 2026 World Food Prize laureate Huub Lelieveld in Des Moines, Iowa, in the United States, on October 20, 2026.
During the meeting at the Iowa Events Center, Dr Nchemba outlined government measures to strengthen the agricultural sector, saying Tanzanian agricultural researchers were learning from Mr Lelieveld’s work, including his contributions to traditional food preservation methods.
The discussions point to the importance of applying scientific knowledge and effective preservation techniques to address challenges that affect food quality, availability and farmers’ earnings.
For farmers, post-harvest losses can mean reduced incomes despite the costs incurred in producing crops.
Better storage and preservation methods can help maintain the quality of harvested produce, extend its usability and reduce the amount of food lost before it reaches consumers.
Improving food preservation could also benefit households and traders by supporting a more reliable supply of food to markets.
Mr Lelieveld, a Dutch scientist specialising in food safety, was named the 2026 World Food Prize laureate by the World Food Prize Foundation.
His work is relevant to countries seeking to strengthen food systems through research, improved handling practices and the adoption of appropriate preservation technologies.
For Tanzania, the challenge will be translating lessons from research into practical solutions that farmers can access and afford, particularly small-scale producers who may lack adequate storage facilities and preservation equipment.
The meeting underscores the potential role of scientific cooperation in supporting agricultural development, although the government has not announced any specific programme or agreement arising from the discussions.