Sealed Against Hunger: Elderly Farmer in Kigoma Finds Hope in PICS Bags

In Itebula Village, Uvinza District, 74-year-old farmer Vicent Gabo Kimali has found renewed hope through improved post-harvest storage. Like many smallholder farmers in Tanzania, Vicent faced significant crop losses up to 40% annually due to pests and poor storage, threatening his food security and income.

For years, Vicent relied on harmful chemicals to preserve his maize, risking his health and that of his family. This changed when he participated in Post-Harvest Handling and Storage (PHHS) training under the Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP II), implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with World Vision Tanzania.

The training introduced Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags, a chemical-free, three-layer technology that protects grain from pests and moisture. “Since I started storing crops, I have never seen bags like these. They can store my harvest for a long time without spoiling,” Vicent shared.

After purchasing his first PICS bags, Vicent saw immediate results no pest damage, no chemical use, and no losses. Encouraged, he bought more. “My maize is safe, and pests no longer attack it,” he said.

This intervention strengthens food security by safeguarding harvests, promotes safer and more sustainable storage practices that reduce post-harvest losses while protect household health, further contributing to the broader goals of inclusive and resilient livelihoods under the UN Tanzania Cooperation Framework.

Vicent’s story is a testament to how simple innovations, delivered through strong partnerships, can transform lives. “We are very thankful to WFP and World Vision for bringing us this project. Through this training, we have learned new storage technologies that save our crops and protect our families,” he concluded.