Introduction

Post-harvest losses represent a significant challenge in agricultural value chains, especially in developing economies where infrastructure, technologies, and knowledge are limited. These losses occur between harvest and consumption, reducing the quantity, quality, and value of food produced. Addressing post-harvest losses is crucial for improving food security, farmer incomes, and sustainability in food systems.

This course equips participants with practical tools and strategic approaches to minimize post-harvest losses in crops, livestock, and fisheries. It emphasizes both traditional and modern solutions, including improved storage, value addition, transportation, packaging, and handling practices. The training integrates policy, innovation, and private sector roles to drive efficiency and resilience in agricultural supply chains.

Course Objectives

·        Understand causes and impacts of post-harvest losses across value chains

·        Identify appropriate technologies for loss prevention and quality control

·        Improve handling, packaging, and storage techniques

·        Design cost-effective logistics and cold chain systems

·        Promote value addition and agro-processing practices

·        Analyze market and infrastructure constraints

·        Develop post-harvest management strategies for various commodities

·        Strengthen farmer awareness and training in post-harvest best practices

·        Examine policy and regulatory frameworks supporting reduction efforts

·        Encourage public-private partnerships for post-harvest innovations

Organizational Benefits

·        Increased efficiency in agri-food supply chains

·        Improved profitability and income for producers and agribusinesses

·        Reduced waste and enhanced food availability

·        Strengthened food quality and safety standards

·        Better integration of smallholder farmers into markets

·        Support for sustainable and inclusive agribusiness models

·        Capacity to access export markets with minimal loss

·        Reduced environmental impact through resource efficiency

·        Access to post-harvest innovations and technology partnerships

·        Compliance with local and international post-harvest regulations

Target Participants

·        Agribusiness and cooperative managers

·        Supply chain and logistics officers

·        Post-harvest technicians and extension agents

·        Food security and development professionals

·        Agricultural engineers and packaging experts

·        Government and NGO program officers

·        Farmers and farm managers

·        Exporters and agro-processors

·        Commodity traders and aggregators

·        Researchers and students in agriculture

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Post-Harvest Losses

·        Definition and types of post-harvest losses

·        Global and regional statistics

·        Causes and critical loss points

·        Impact on food security and income

·        Overview of value chains affected

·        Cross-sector collaboration needs
General Case Study: Grain loss assessment in smallholder maize farms in Kenya

Module 2: Harvesting Techniques and On-Farm Handling

·        Proper timing and methods of harvesting

·        Crop-specific best practices

·        Field drying and sorting

·        On-farm handling precautions

·        Farmer training and awareness

·        Traditional vs modern techniques
General Case Study: Improved harvest practices in mango production in Uganda

Module 3: Storage Systems and Technologies

·        Traditional and modern storage options

·        Hermetic bags and silos

·        Moisture control and aeration

·        Rodent and pest management

·        Community vs household storage solutions

·        Storage management training
General Case Study: Use of PICS bags in grain storage in Tanzania

Module 4: Packaging and Transportation

·        Role of packaging in preserving quality

·        Cost-effective packaging materials

·        Temperature-sensitive commodity logistics

·        Road, rail, and air transport considerations

·        Cold chain systems

·        Reducing mechanical damage in transit
General Case Study: Tomato packaging innovations in Nigeria

Module 5: Processing and Value Addition

·        Basic and advanced agro-processing

·        Drying, milling, fermenting, and preserving

·        Adding shelf life and market value

·        Gender roles in small-scale processing

·        Investment in rural processing units

·        Linking processing to market demand
General Case Study: Cassava value addition in Mozambique

Module 6: Quality Assurance and Standards

·        Grading and standardization systems

·        Inspection, certification, and traceability

·        Hygiene and food safety protocols

·        National and export market requirements

·        Role of cooperatives in quality enforcement

·        Integration of standards in farmer training
General Case Study: Export-quality avocado quality assurance in Rwanda

Module 7: Cold Chain Infrastructure and Management

·        Cold storage needs for perishables

·        Refrigerated transportation options

·        Energy and cost management

·        Cold chain logistics partners

·        Public-private investment models

·        Mobile cold storage units
General Case Study: Cold chain development for dairy in Ethiopia

Module 8: ICT and Innovation in Post-Harvest Management

·        Mobile apps for logistics and coordination

·        Digital inventory tracking systems

·        Forecasting demand and harvest

·        IoT sensors for storage environments

·        Farmer alert systems for weather and spoilage

·        Data analytics for supply chain optimization
General Case Study: Use of digital tools in cooperative grain storage in Zambia

Module 9: Policy, Regulation, and Institutional Support

·        National frameworks on post-harvest management

·        Role of ministries and regulatory bodies

·        Enabling environment for innovation

·        Incentives for investment in infrastructure

·        Policy coherence between agriculture and trade

·        Stakeholder coordination platforms
General Case Study: Government-led loss reduction strategy in Ghana

Module 10: Designing Post-Harvest Projects and Interventions

·        Situation analysis and needs assessment

·        Setting objectives and selecting approaches

·        Resource mobilization and budgeting

·        Multi-stakeholder engagement

·        Monitoring, evaluation, and learning

·        Scaling successful pilots and innovations
General Case Study: Farmer group-led post-harvest project in Northern Uganda

Essential Information

1. Our courses are customizable to suit the specific needs of participants.
2. Participants are required to have proficiency in the English language.
3. Our training sessions feature comprehensive guidance through presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group activities. Our facilitators boast extensive expertise, each with over a decade of experience.
4. Upon fulfilling the training requirements, participants will receive a prestigious Global King Project Management certificate.
5. Training sessions are conducted at various Global King Project Management Centers, including locations in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kigali, Dubai, Lagos, and others.
6. Organizations sending more than two participants from the same entity are eligible for a generous 20% discount.
7. The duration of our courses is adaptable, and the curriculum can be adjusted to accommodate any number of days.
8. To ensure seamless preparation, payment is expected before the commencement of training, facilitated through the Global King Project Management account.
9. For inquiries, reach out to us via email at training@globalkingprojectmanagement.org or by phone at +254 114 830 889.
10. Additional amenities such as tablets and laptops are available upon request for an extra fee. The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a certificate of successful completion. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their travel expenses, including airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health insurance, and any other personal expenses.