More than 40 per cent of food produced in Kenya is lost to poor storage, inadequate processing and packaging. Martina Claus, a representative of VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, the Germany Engineering Federation said the food losses contribute to starvation and poverty.
“We are concerned that food demand is increasing but there are a lot of losses occasioned by poor processing and packaging as companies continue to rely on outdated technology. Most farmers lack cooling systems, modern and sufficient storage facilities,” said Ms Claus.
Food processors and packaging stakeholders have expressed concern that the local market is experiencing a surge in population, increasing food demand. However, the food value chain is grappling with huge losses mainly in post-harvest handling, processing and transport.
Attempts by the Government and the private sector to set up a fresh produce market fitted with modern systems like cold rooms failed due to lack of adequate land in Nairobi. Also, the project was to be rolled out in constituencies, but failed to pick up. Close to Sh50 billion is lost every year owing to numerous gaps along the food value chain. Claus made the remarks during the launch of the 2nd Food Processing & Packaging Exposyum (FPPE 2014) in Nairobi.
Industrialisation and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed, who officiated the event, said millions of tonnes of food is wasted, lost or improperly used every year due to improper packaging, storage and disposal.
To prevent the losses, Mohamed urged local companies to go for simple but modern technology. To ensure timely delivery of produce from the farm to the market, Mohamed said the Government is investing in the necessary infrastructure.
Gateway to the region
“It is hoped that this expo that targets machinery, equipment, and process suppliers as well as food producers and processors will provide information on the latest technology in food processing and packaging, which if appropriately applied, can avert food losses,” said Mr Mohamed.
He added that the forum will create partnerships in the food value chain business with local companies to improve value addition of agro and horticultural products. This, he observed, will increase economic gains in the export market and encourage international firms in food processing and packaging to set up businesses in Kenya as a gateway to the region.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that global food losses lie between 20 per cent and 75 per cent, representing 1.3 billion tonnes per year. About 70 International food processing and packaging companies are exhibiting their latest technologies in Nairobi.
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