Empowering farmers on post-harvest loss 'will end wastage'

Creating awareness through farmer organisations will empower them and end food wastage.

SNV global security advisor Mary Njuguna on September 29 said farmers should use evidence through research and influence government policies on post-harvest losses.

She said around 1.3 billion tonnes of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally each year.

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According to Njuguna, the government and key actors need evidence from research work to create policies to have sustainable change.

She also called for a collaboration with civil society and the rest of the community to gather enough evidence for the research.

Njuguna added that low-cost but efficient technology at the farm level is available for farmers but many are still unaware.

The lack of knowledge on available innovation such as the hermetic bags, improved packaging and zero energy cooling chambers are some of the challenges cited as abetting post-harvest wastage.

Further, farmers' poor access to credit as well as prioritising present consumption over future income exacerbates post-harvest loss.

"Interventions should be designed keeping in mind both material and behavioral constraints," Njuguna said, adding that the private sector should be encouraged to invest in making value chains more efficient.

On whether technology and innovation can solve post-harvest loss problems, she said better knowledge for quality seed needs to be shared.

The SNV V4CP programme has trained farmers on PHL management skills in dairy and horticulture.

Women champions have been empowered to lobby at county level for favourable policies in regards to PHL.

Njuguna cited the formation of key alliances with partners in the industry for cross learning and capacity building as well as the development of county dairy strategic plans.

She said her organisation has made available produce materials and handbooks that can be used at the grassroots as well as quick guides to explain challenges to actors and policy makers.