We analyze the impact of a new storage technology and training on post-harvest losses
(PHL), sales and the timing of sales, farmgate prices, maize quality and storage protection costs among small-scale maize farmers in rural Tanzania. The analysis is based on data collected by means of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which farmers were randomized into one of three groups: a control group and two treatment groups. Farmers in the first treatment group received training on post-harvest management practices, and farmers in the second treatment group were provided with hermetic (airtight) bags for storing maize, as well as the training administered to the first treatment group. Both interventions had a significant effect in reducing storage losses, and the intervention with hermetic bags improved the quality of maize grain, raised the likelihood of selling maize, increased the farmgate price of maize, enabled farmers to shift some of their sales to the lean season, and reduced the cost of storage protection. Both interventions are economically feasible.
