Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Course

Course Fee:

₦320,000.00

Course Overview

Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand the causes and impact of post-harvest losses on food security and economic sustainability.
• Identify critical points in the supply chain where losses occur.
• Apply modern techniques and technologies to minimize post-harvest losses.
• Implement proper handling, storage, and transportation practices to preserve quality.
• Develop strategies for improving value chains and increasing market access for agricultural products.
Course Content
Introduction to Post-Harvest Losses
• Overview of post-harvest losses and their global impact.
• Types of losses: Quantitative vs. qualitative.
• Causes of post-harvest losses across different crops and products.
• Economic, social, and environmental implications.
Harvesting Techniques and Timing
• Importance of proper harvesting methods.
• Crop-specific harvesting techniques.
• Identifying the right time for harvest to minimize losses.
• Tools and equipment for efficient harvesting.
Post-Harvest Handling Practices
• Principles of good handling practices.
• Sorting, grading, and packaging to maintain quality.
• Cleaning and sanitization of produce.
• Impact of rough handling on perishables.
Storage Technologies and Techniques
• Traditional vs. modern storage methods.
• Temperature and humidity control in storage.
• Use of cold storage and controlled atmosphere storage.
• Preventing pest and microbial damage in storage facilities.
Transportation and Logistics
• Best practices for transporting perishable goods.
• Packaging solutions for transportation.
• Reducing losses during loading and unloading.
• Role of technology in logistics optimization (IoT, GPS, etc.).
Processing and Value Addition
• Importance of processing to extend shelf life.
• Value addition techniques for agricultural produce.
• Local and industrial processing options.
• Case studies on successful value chain improvements.
Policies and Best Practices
• Overview of global and regional policies on post-harvest loss reduction.
• Standards and certifications for post-harvest quality.
• Collaboration among stakeholders (farmers, processors, and retailers).
• Case studies of successful interventions in different regions.
Monitoring and Evaluation
• Tools for assessing and reducing losses.
• Data collection and analysis in post-harvest management.
• Developing key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Continuous improvement strategies.