A Review of Packaging Options for Tomato Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Tomato production systems in developing countries are characterized by high post harvest losses. Due to the perishability of tomatoes, lack of awareness and knowledge of postharvest handling techniques, and poor packaging, farmers encounter 20%-50% postharvest losses. Farmers use traditional baskets, wooden, and plastic crates as packaging materials during transportation of tomatoes. However, tomatoes are often damaged due to the size and inner rough surface of crates and the difficulty in handling. The need for fresh tomato at the consumer requires a packaging that protects tomatoes against physical damages, increasing its shelf life prior to consumption. Packaging is important in ensuring quality, easing handling, extending the shelf life during storage and transportation of food products. However, the conventional use of synthetic-based materials for advanced packaging contributes to environmental problems because of their non-biodegradability and health concerns. This review article highlights the different materials used for packaging tomato and the prospects of using papaya, as a precursor for developing tomato packages.

On the Potential of Packaging for Reducing Fruit and Vegetable Losses in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…As mentioned in a study, the use of adequate packaging during storage and transport of fresh fruits and vegetables has a positive impact on the quality and shelf life of these products. Between 30% and 50% of fruits and vegetables are lost when transported in traditional packaging in SSA and these losses can be reduced by using more effective packaging [ 32 ].…”

Physiological Processes Affecting Postharvest Quality of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

“…This inherent vapour barrier property of polyethene materials made it more suitable for reducing moisture loss of fresh produce. When storing, transporting, and selling food, it is simple to guarantee high relative humidity by using films made from plastic, bags, wraps, liners, or bulkbox coverings [25]. Such films and coatings, increased water vapour transmission resistance will result in a micro atmosphere with a greater R.H than the surrounding air.…”

“…Also, the application of extreme thin plastic packs has been found to reduce shriveling, loss of mass firmness and decay [26]. The utilisation of thin plastic packaging involves sealing of the fresh commodities in plastic films and passing them through shrinking the film in a hot air tunnel [25]. Modified Humidity Packaging (MHP) had been designed to reduce moisture loss as well as avoid condensation in fresh produce.…”