The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in Tanzania, beyond its core responsibilities of grain storage and distribution, is well-positioned to offer Capacity Building and Advisory Services to clients—including government institutions, local government authorities (LGAs), development partners, relief agencies, farmer organizations, and private sector actors. These services are essential in strengthening the country’s food security systems, improving post-harvest management, and ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of food supply chains.

 

1. Capacity Building Functions

These are aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and institutional readiness of clients involved in the food value chain.

a) Post-Harvest Management Training

• NFRA can train farmers’ groups, cooperatives, and agro-dealers on:
  • Grain drying techniques
  • Proper bagging and storage practices
  • Moisture control and pest prevention
• This helps reduce post-harvest losses and preserve grain quality for longer-term storage or market sale.

b) Quality Assurance and Grading Systems

• Training on national and regional grain quality standards (TBS, EAC, SADC).
• Practical demonstrations on:
  • Grain sampling methods
  • Use of aflatoxin test kits
  • Sorting and grading based on moisture and purity

c) Warehouse Management and Food Safety Protocols

• Equipping warehouse managers and LGA officials with:
  • Stock rotation (FIFO principles)
  • Record-keeping and inventory control
  • Environmental safety practices (fumigation, ventilation, hygiene)

d) Market Information and Price Intelligence

• Training farmer associations and grain traders on:
  • Interpreting market trends
  • Planning harvest and sales decisions based on price forecasts

e) Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Food Response

• NFRA can provide simulation-based training to LGAs and humanitarian actors on:
  • Food stockpiling protocols
  • Emergency release procedures
  • Coordination during climate or conflict-induced food shortages

 

 

2. Advisory Functions

NFRA provides technical advice, policy input, and operational guidance to help clients make informed, strategic decisions related to food security and grain reserves.

a) Storage Infrastructure Planning

• Advising LGAs, NGOs, and private investors on:
  • Location and sizing of new silos, warehouses, and sheds
  • Cost-effective storage models (e.g., mobile storage units)
  • Integration with national reserve systems or market supply chains

b) Grain Procurement and Contracting

• Guidance on:
  • Transparent and compliant procurement processes
  • Designing and managing grain supply contracts
  • Supplier vetting and performance monitoring

c) Food Reserve and Strategic Stock Planning

• Helping regional governments or institutions:
  • Estimate required buffer stocks for their jurisdictions
  • Design food rotation and replenishment strategies