Post-harvest losses (PHL) remain one of the most critical challenges affecting food systems in developing countries.
Did you know? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately 30% of global agricultural production is lost or wasted each year. These losses not only reduce food availability but also limit income opportunities for smallholder farmers.
The majority of losses occur throughout the food value chain, from harvest to transport, storage and consumption.
The scale of the problem
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the combined cost of food losses and waste for the global economy is estimated at around 1 trillion dollars per year. In some cases, up to 50% of the crops (fruits and vegetables) are lost due to inadequate storage conditions, insufficient infrastructure, and inefficient processing techniques, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Beyond economic impacts, food losses and waste also significantly contribute to climate change. According to UNEP, they generate between 8 and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is nearly five times the emissions of the aviation sector, and leads to significant losses in biodiversity.
Solutions to reduce post-harvest losses
Strengthening post-harvest management systems and improving agricultural storage is essential. Investment in better transport infrastructure and logistics chains, including modern storage technologies and cold chain solutions, is also crucial to reduce these losses.
At the same time, the development of local food processing and valorization allows for the transformation of perishable crops into products with a longer shelf life, creating new market opportunities and increasing farmers' incomes. A strong and resilient processing sector can generate decent employment, connect producers to expanding urban markets and ensure consumers have reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food.
Link to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Reducing post-harvest losses directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals 2, 8, 9, 12 and 13 by improving food security, creating decent jobs, strengthening agricultural infrastructure, promoting responsible production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The role of SOTRAPROCOMM in innovation and agro-industry
SOTRAPROCOMM addresses these challenges through research, innovation and entrepreneurship training in the agro-industry sector. We also have practical experience in the processing of sweet potatoes into value-added products, such as baking flour and other market-ready food products. This demonstrates how local crops can be transformed into higher value-added products, supporting innovation in food systems, youth entrepreneurship and strengthening agricultural value chains.
Strategic Importance
Reducing post-harvest losses is not only a technical challenge but also a strategic priority to improve food security, strengthen rural economies, and build more resilient food systems.
Stay tuned for more analysis on the agro-industry, food systems, and agricultural innovation, and find out how SOTRAPROCOMM continues to support smallholders farmers, entrepreneurs, and researchers in Burundi.
