How to manage post-harvest loss

From Global development | The Guardian Fri Dec 14 2012, 11:51:00

Much of the food grown in developing countries never makes it past the farm gate, contributing to food insecurity. Caspar van Vark reviews the techniques used to address PHL

The need to increase food production has become a policy mantra. Populations are growing, so we need more food. But much of what is produced never makes it past the farm gate, especially in developing countries. Eliminating those losses is a way to increase food availability without requiring additional resources or placing additional burdens on the environment.

Post-harvest loss (PHL) happen at every stage of the supply chain, but in developing countries losses are the most significant. Harvesting, drying and storage are all stages which see substantial losses, both quantitative (physical losses caused by rodents, insects or infestations) and qualitative (loss of quality and value).

The extent of these losses is substantial but measuring them can be notoriously difficult. Estimates range from 5 to 30% or more, and in sub-Saharan Africa alone the value of PHL overall is thought to be around $4bn (£2.5bn) a year. This represents a vast amount of food, along with the wasted cost and effort of producing it.

[view whole blog post ]
 See More    |     Report Abuse


You might also be interested in the following news stories:

Afrique de l'Ouest:  Crise du constitutionnalisme ? (analysis)
allAfrica.com
28 Mars 2024

L’Afrique de l’Ouest est aujourd’hui traversée par une vague de « contestations » ouverte ou diffuse, violente ou non violente des pratiques ... [read more]

South Africa:  Snoekless Easter - Fish Shortage Bites Western Cape - South African News Briefs - March 28, 2024 (news)
allAfrica.com
28 Mars 2024

  Western Cape Faces Easter Fish Shortage, Prices Soar A fish shortage is plaguing the Western Cape, particularly snoek, a staple for Easter meals like pickled fish. News24 reports empty harbors, ... [read more]

Liberia:  Special Taskforce Impounds Vehicle of Former Police IG (news)
The New Dawn
28 Mars 2024

Liberia's Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce has seized a vehicle operated by former Liberia National Police (LNP) Inspector General Col. Patrick T. Sudue. The vehicle marked A610540 was ... [read more]



blogAfrica is allAfrica.com's platform to help you keep an ear on the African blogosphere. We draw diverse voices from around the world who post regularly and insightfully about African issues. Bloggers, submit your blog's rss-feed!