How Warehouse Management Systems Can Offer a Sustainable Solution for Post-Harvest Pest Challenges
Post-harvest pest control is essential to prevent pests from affecting the quality of agricultural commodities after harvest and before processing. Effective pest control is vital for food safety, sanitation, and reducing waste and profit loss. In Tanzania, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) are responsible for registering all Plant Protection Substances (PPS) that are imported, exported, produced, or used in the country. This mandate is guided by the National Agricultural Policy, 2013, and the Plant Health Act, 2020.
In Tanzania, post-harvest losses are primarily due to insect pests, accounting for 30–40% in cereals and 30–73% in legumes (FAO Stat, 2021). The primary pests responsible for these losses include Sitophilus zeamais, Prostephanus truncatus, and Rhyzopertha dominica for maize, and Callosobruchus maculatus for legumes. Addressing these infestations is crucial to reduce significant losses during the post-harvest phase.
Traditional storage methods in Tanzania, such as open barrels, jute or polypropylene sacks, and Vihenge bins, are widely used. The storage period ranges from three months to a year, influenced by crop volume, storage capacity, and farmer preferences. New technologies, like Zerofly bags, airtight hermetic bags, and GrainPro Cocoons, are gradually being introduced in various regions across Tanzania and East Africa. GrainPro Cocoons, in particular, offer a promising solution for large-scale storage, as they can be used in combination with existing polypropylene bags for enhanced pest control. The Cocoons create a hermetic, airtight environment that prevents pests from accessing and infesting stored grains, making them suitable for managing substantial quantities. However, similar to other advanced storage options, consistent training and farmer awareness are essential for optimal use and widespread adoption of GrainPro Cocoons.
In storage facilities, insect pests can be managed using various methods: biological, chemical, botanical, and cultural approaches, as well as host-plant resistance, irradiation, hermetic bags and silos, Zerofly bags, silicon dioxide, chlorine dioxide, ozone gas, radio frequencies, diatomaceous earth, Long-Lasting Insecticide-incorporated Netting (LLIN), and essential oils derived from various plants. These methods can be used individually or in combination, depending on the pest population, farmers’ knowledge, and budget. An integrated approach that combines multiple methods tailored to specific circumstances is often recommended for sustainable pest management in storage facilities.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) can play a significant role in pest control for Tanzanian farmers by offering remote, digital monitoring, tracking, and preventive measures to reduce infestations in storage facilities. Key benefits of WMS for pest control include:
Post-harvest pest control is a critical component of sustainable agriculture in Tanzania, given the substantial losses that pests cause in stored commodities. Advanced storage technologies like hermetic bags, Zerofly bags, and GrainPro Cocoons offer effective options for preventing infestations, but their success depends on farmer awareness, accessibility, and proper application.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) provide a powerful complementary tool to these technologies by enabling data-driven monitoring, pest control tracking, and maintenance. By combining WMS capabilities with new storage technologies, farmers and warehouse managers can achieve a more resilient, effective, and scalable approach to pest management. As Tanzania continues to develop its agricultural infrastructure, these integrated solutions represent a valuable path toward minimizing post-harvest losses and improving the profitability of the country’s farming sector.
