POST HARVEST LOSSES

Post-harvest losses occur during the handling, storage, and transportation of agricultural products from the farm to the consumer’s table. These losses can be caused by a range of factors, including inadequate storage facilities, improper handling practices, pest infestations, and inadequate transportation infrastructure.

Food insecurity is a global issue that continues to affect millions of people around the world. It refers to the lack of consistent access to sufficient and nutritious food, leading to malnutrition and hunger. While there are various factors contributing to food insecurity, one significant aspect that often goes unnoticed is post-harvest losses.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), post-harvest losses account for approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption globally. This means that out of the 1.3 billion tons of food produced each year, around 400 million tons are lost during post-harvest stages. Such losses have a significant impact on food security, particularly in developing countries where access to food is already limited.

HOW POST-HARVEST LOSSES AFFECT THE NATION.

Economic losses.

One critical way in which these losses contribute to food insecurity is through economic losses for farmers. When farmers lose a significant portion of their harvest due to inadequate storage or handling practices, they face financial difficulties. losses erode their income and make it difficult for them to invest in better farming techniques or purchase inputs for the next planting season. As a result, they may struggle to produce enough food to meet their own needs and contribute to local and national food supplies.

Social and environmental losses.

In addition to economic implications, post-harvest losses also have social and environmental repercussions. When food is wasted, all the resources that go into producing it, such as water, energy, and land, are also wasted. This puts unnecessary pressure on the environment and exacerbates issues like water scarcity and deforestation. Moreover, the social consequences of food losses are significant, as the most vulnerable populations, such as small-scale farmers and low-income communities, are disproportionately affected by food insecurity.

Solution to Post-harvest losses.

Improvement of transportation structures.

Efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security require a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, investments must be made in improving infrastructure, including the construction of proper storage facilities, transportation networks, and cold chains. These infrastructural improvements will help minimize losses during the transportation and storage phases.

Education of stakeholders on post- harvest losses.

Secondly, there is a need for training and capacity-building programs for farmers and other stakeholders involved in the post-harvest handling process. Educating farmers about proper storage techniques, pest management, and appropriate packaging can significantly reduce losses and increase the value of their products. Additionally, implementing quality control measures and certification systems can help maintain food quality throughout the supply chain and reduce wastage.

Exploring new technologies to combart post- harvest losses.

Furthermore, technology can play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses. Innovations such as climate-controlled storage systems, moisture control technologies, and digital solutions for monitoring and tracking can help identify potential spoilage or losses and allow for timely interventions.

Creating public awareness about post- harvest losses among stakeholders.

Lastly, raising awareness among consumers about the implications of food waste and the importance of reducing post-harvest losses is essential. Public campaigns, educational programs, and policy incentives can encourage individuals to take more responsible actions with regard to food consumption and disposal.

Post-harvest losses?

These refer to the reduction in quantity and quality of agricultural products that occur after they have been harvested and before they reach the consumer. Post -harvest losses can be due to a variety of factors, including improper handling, storage, and transportation practices. They are a significant challenge for farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole, as they not only lead to economic losses but also contribute to food insecurity and waste.

Types of Post-harvest Losses.

There are several types of post-harvest losses that farmers commonly experience in agriculture. Understanding these types can help identify appropriate measures to mitigate or prevent such losses.

1. Physical post-harvest losses.

This event occurs due to physical damage during harvest, handling, and transportation. Physical losses can be caused by various factors like rough handling, improper packaging, and inadequate transportation facilities. Bruising, breakage, and crushing of the produce are examples of physical damage that can lead to losses.

2. Mechanical.

Mechanical losses are a result of the use of machinery in harvesting, processing, and packaging operations. Agricultural machinery, if not properly calibrated or operated, can damage crops, leading to losses. For instance, threshers that are not adjusted correctly can result in grain loss during the harvesting process.

3. Microbiological.

 These are caused by the growth of microorganisms on harvested crops, leading to spoilage or contamination. Bacteria, molds, and yeasts are responsible for causing these losses. Moisture, warm temperatures, and poor storage conditions can create a favorable environment for the growth of these microorganisms, resulting in reduced product quality and shorter shelf life.

4. Chemical.

The chemical losses occur when agricultural products are exposed to excessive use of chemicals or when the recommended pre-harvest and post-harvest pesticide application intervals are ignored. Chemical residues on crops can render them unsafe for consumption and may lead to rejection by buyers or consumers.

5. Market-related.

 Market-related losses refer to the rejection or reduced value of agricultural products due to factors such as inefficient market infrastructure, fluctuating market prices, lack of market access, or poor market information. Inadequate market linkages can delay product sales and cause oversupply, leading to price depreciation and financial loss for farmers.

Terms

Agricultural food losses.

Agricultural food losses refer to the loss of food and agricultural products that occur during the production, post-harvest, handling, and storage stages in the agricultural value chain. This includes losses caused by pests, diseases, weather conditions, inadequate storage facilities, and poor handling practices.

Food losses.

Food losses, on the other hand, encompass all types of food going to loss or waste throughout the entire food supply chain, from production to consumption. This includes losses occurring during agricultural production, as well as losses at the processing, distribution, and retail stages. These can occur due to spoilage, transportation issues, inefficient processing methods, and market dynamics.

Food waste.

Food waste specifically refers to the wastage or disposal of edible food that is fit for consumption by humans. It occurs at the consumer level, such as when food is thrown away by households, restaurants, or retailers due to over-purchasing, incorrect storage, or expiration. These may also include the discarding of food by manufacturers and retailers when it does not meet aesthetic standards or when there is excess supply.

Factors Contributing.

Internal factors.

Lack of proper infrastructure

 One critical internal factor contributing to post-harvest loss is the lack of proper infrastructure and storage facilities. Inadequate storage facilities can result in product spoilage, as crops are not stored under suitable conditions such as temperature, humidity, and protection from pests and diseases.

Inadequate knowledge and training on post -harvest losses.

Another internal factor is the lack of knowledge and training among farmers and post-harvest handlers. Without proper training on post-harvest handling and storage techniques, farmers may unknowingly contribute to losses due to improper handling, packing, and storage of crops.

Poor harvesting practices contributing to post harvest losses.

Poor harvesting practices can also contribute to post-harvest loss. If crops are harvested prematurely or too late, they may not be at the optimal stage of maturity and can spoil quickly during storage or transportation.

Inefficient transportation and logistics.

 Inefficient transportation and logistics can lead to delays in getting crops to markets, resulting in spoilage. Inadequate packaging and handling during transportation can also contribute to damage and loss.

Lack of quality control measures.

Without proper quality control measures, such as regular inspections and monitoring of crop quality, it becomes difficult to identify and remove damaged or spoiled products, increasing the risk of harvest losses.

Insufficient financial resources.

Limited financial resources can hinder investments in post-harvest infrastructure and technologies, preventing farmers and handlers from implementing appropriate storage and processing methods that would reduce losses.

Inadequate access to markets.

 Lack of access to markets and information about market demand can result in overproduction or suboptimal timing of harvesting, leading to harvest losses.

Communication and coordination.

 High levels of post-harvest losses can also stem from poor communication and coordination among various stakeholders in the supply chain, including farmers, traders, processors, and retailers. This lack of coordination can result in delays, inefficiencies, and losses at each step of the value chain.

Biological Factors

These involve the actions of living organisms on harvested crops. Insects and pests are a common biological factor contributing to post-harvest losses. Pests feed on and damage the stored produce, leading to reduced quality and quantity of the harvested crops. In addition, rodents and birds can also cause damage by consuming or contaminating the crops. The presence of these pests can result in significant losses, not only in terms of direct consumption but also due to the spread of diseases and parasites.

Chemical Factors

One such factor is the metabolic activity of the harvested produce itself. After harvest, many fruits and vegetables continue to metabolize, which can lead to changes in color, texture, and flavor, making them less appealing and marketable. The spoilage of produce as a result of biochemical reactions, such as oxidation and enzymatic browning, also falls under chemical factors contributing to post-harvest losses.

Microbiological factors causing post – harvest losses.

It is the most significant contributors to post-harvest losses. Microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds, can cause spoilage of harvested crops. These microorganisms, often present on the surface of crops or introduced during harvest or storage, thrive in the right environmental conditions, leading to decay and degradation of the produce. Moreover, specific pathogens and fungi can cause diseases in stored crops, leading to rot and further losses.

External Factors.

Several environmental factors can affect post-harvest losses:

Temperature and humidity.

The temperature and humidity of the storage environment can significantly impact the shelf life of harvested crops. High temperatures can accelerate the rate of respiration and promote microbial growth, leading to spoilage. Excessive humidity can cause mold growth and make the products more susceptible to rotting.

Light exposure contribution on post- harvest losses.

Certain crops are sensitive to light exposure and can undergo physiological changes that reduce their quality and shelf life. Exposure to light can cause the degradation of vitamins, color changes, and the development of off-flavors in products such as fruits and vegetables.

Air quality.

Poor air quality in storage facilities can contribute to the growth of molds, fungi, and bacteria. Contaminated air can accelerate spoilage and lead to the development of disease-causing organisms.

Pests and rodents.

 Inadequate pest control measures can lead to infestations of insects, rodents, and other pests that can damage crops during storage. These pests can consume or contaminate the harvested products, resulting in significant losses.

Natural disasters effects on post-harvest losses.

Environmental disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes can cause extensive damage to stored crops. Flooding can lead to waterlogging and spoilage, while high winds can cause physical damage to produce.

Seasonal variations effects on post-harvest losses.

Seasonal variations in temperature, humidity, and daylight hours can impact the shelf life of crops. For example, in hot and humid climates, fruits and vegetables may have a shorter shelf life due to accelerated deterioration caused by increased respiration rates and microbial growth.

Altitude and atmospheric pressure.

 Changes in altitude and atmospheric pressure can affect the respiration rate of harvested crops. Higher altitudes and lower atmospheric pressures can result in increased respiration rates, leading to a faster loss of quality and shelf life.

Overall, addressing these internal factors and improving post-harvest management practices can significantly reduce losses and contribute to food security and economic sustainability in agriculture, while these environmental factors highlight the importance of proper storage conditions and management practices to reduce harvest losses and ensure the availability of high-quality food for consumers.

References

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360094868_MANAGEMENT_OF_POSTHARVEST_LOSSES_IN_AGRICULTURAL_PRODUCE_IN_KENYA.
2. https://www.tegemeo.org/images/_tegemeo_institute/downloads/conferences/2010/post-harvest-challenges-in-kenya.pdf.
3. https://kilimo.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Post-harvest-Losses-Management-Strategy-for-the-IGAD-Region.pdf.
4. file:///C:/Users/davin/Downloads/p15738coll2_132325%20(1).pdf.