SAGCOT: Innovative Packaging Helps Tanzanian Farmers Reduce Post-Harvest Loss

A remarkable success story emerged during the B2B meeting held from August 21 to 23, 2024, in Iringa, Tanzania, showcasing how innovation in agricultural packaging is transforming the livelihoods of local farmers. Gibson Kisigo, CEO of JND Poly Bags Company Ltd., shared the inspiring journey of his company, a leading provider of agricultural packaging within the SAGCOT corridor, and the profound impact it has had on the agricultural value chain. The meeting, organized as part of the USAID-funded Feed the Future Tanzania Tuhifadhi Chakula (Let’s Save Food) project, was implemented in collaboration with the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and SAGCOT Centre.

From Printing to Production: Addressing Local Needs

“JND Poly Bags was founded to address a pressing need among Tanzanian farmers for reliable, high-quality packaging,” explained Kisigo. “We began as a small-scale operation, merely printing bags. However, we quickly realized that farmers needed more than basic packaging. They required durable bags that could protect their produce during transport and storage, ensuring it arrived at the market in prime condition.”

In response, JND Poly Bags revolutionized its product line, introducing durable, moisture-resistant bags that significantly reduce spoilage and damage during transportation. This innovation has been transformational for farmers, leading to a marked reduction in post-harvest losses and a substantial increase in income. Farmers who have adopted JND Poly Bags have reported up to a 30% increase in profits due to enhanced produce quality and extended shelf life.

The growing demand from farmers revealed the need for local production, prompting Kisigo to take a bold step: establishing a factory in Iringa that could manufacture packaging solutions specifically tailored to local agricultural needs. “We built this factory from the ground up to serve the farming community,” Kisigo said. “We wanted to be close to the farmers, understand their challenges, and offer packaging that truly meets their needs. Our bags are designed to be durable, meet Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requirements, and ensure that staple crops like rice and maize are preserved from the farm to the market.”

Strategic Growth and Community Impact

The Iringa-based factory now produces a wide range of packaging options, including 25-kilogram bags for maize and 50-kilogram bags for rice, designed with direct input from farmers. “We listen to what the farmers tell us,” emphasized Kisigo. “They need affordable, strong bags that can withstand the rigors of transportation. That’s why we’ve invested in high-quality materials and strict quality control processes to ensure that every bag meets those standards.”

JND Poly Bags’ success has been driven by its deep understanding of local needs and its grassroots approach. Initially, the company started by printing small quantities of bags—50, 20, or 30 at a time. Kisigo himself visited local milling operations and markets to build relationships and demonstrate the quality of their products. “It was a hands-on approach,” Kisigo said. “I knew that to gain the trust of our clients, we had to show them what we could do. That’s how we grew from supplying just 50 bags to now producing over two million bags a month. Our daily production ranges between 80,000 to 90,000 bags.”

Beyond meeting the immediate needs of farmers, JND Poly Bags is also focused on strategic growth and exploring new markets. “We are constantly innovating,” said Kisigo. “We are looking at producing packaging for export, ensuring that our bags meet both local and international standards. We understand that for Tanzanian farmers to compete in global markets, their products must arrive fresh and well-preserved.”

The impact of JND Poly Bags extends far beyond simply providing packaging solutions. The company has created over 105 jobs and indirectly supports more than 400 individuals, as each employee typically supports an average of 3.4 dependents. Kisigo emphasized the importance of partnerships in the company’s journey, including support from institutions like the Tanzania Investment Center (TIC) and collaboration with SAGCOT through the Feed the Future project. “These partnerships have been essential,” Kisigo said. “They have provided us with the resources and support we needed to expand our operations and serve the farming community better.”

Future Directions and Continuous Innovation

Looking to the future, Kisigo is focused on expanding the company’s reach and continuing to innovate in response to farmers’ evolving needs. Plans are underway to introduce a broader range of packaging sizes, produce specialized bags for different crops, and develop solutions for export packaging. “We are also exploring new materials and technologies that could further reduce costs and improve the durability of our bags,” he said.

In addition to traditional packaging, JND Poly Bags is actively involved in researching temperature control solutions and advanced post-harvest technologies, which are crucial for reducing spoilage and extending the shelf life of agricultural products. “We are researching the use of advanced materials and coatings that can further protect produce during transit and storage,” Kisigo explained.

Building a Sustainable Future

Kisigo’s story is a powerful example of how local entrepreneurs can drive innovation and create value in Tanzania’s agricultural sector. By focusing on the needs of farmers and building strong community ties, JND Poly Bags has established itself as a leader in agricultural packaging. “Our goal is to partner with farmers, helping them get the best possible price for their products and ensuring that what they harvest reaches the market in the best possible condition,” Kisigo said. “We are committed to supporting farmers in every way we can and will continue to work closely with them to develop solutions that meet their needs.”

The feedback from farmers who have used JND Poly Bags has been overwhelmingly positive. For instance, Issa Mang’ura, Manager of Ujamas AMCOS in Ifakara, praised the durability of the bags, stating, “The bags from JND Poly Bags are very strong and suitable for storing rice. We can use them multiple times, and our products travel well without any loss of produce.” Similarly, Mzee Robert, Chairman of a cooperative in Kilombero, highlighted how the bags have significantly reduced crop losses from the farm to the market.

JND Poly Bags’ success story underscores the importance of local solutions in solving local problems. By leveraging innovation, fostering partnerships, and maintaining a strong commitment to quality, the company is playing a key role in reducing post-harvest loss and improving the livelihoods of farmers across Tanzania.

Voices from the Field:

• Issa Mang’ura Ujamas AMCOS Manager, Ifakara: “The bags from JND Poly Bags are very strong and suitable for storing rice. We can use them multiple times, and our products travel well without any loss of produce.”
• Mzee Robert, Chairman of a Cooperative, Kilombero: “Since we started using JND bags, we’ve significantly reduced the loss of crops from farm to market, improving our business and increasing farmer profits.”