Post-Harvest (Handling) Training
Definition
Post-harvest training aims to improve the handling and management of crops after harvest to enhance quality and reduce losses. This training typically includes strategies such as proper drying techniques, effective harvesting methods, and the use of tools like tarpaulins and solar dryers. The primary goal is to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain optimal moisture levels and prevent spoilage. The training seeks to increase crop quality, reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access, ultimately leading to enhanced income and stability for farmers.
Lead Actors
Off-taker; Other Service Provider
Target Demographics
Farmer Groups; Farmer Organisations; Smallholder Farmers
Objectives addressed
Farmer related
Increase farmer income:
Resistance & Limited adoption: One risk is farmer opposition to practice adoption and minimal diffusion of practices outside of training touchpoints.
Business related
Address sourcing needs:
Through improved post-harvest practices, farmers return improved quality and increased sourced volumes per farmer.
Improve sourcing efficiency:
Post-harvest training enhances sourcing efficiency by reducing losses, allowing companies to procure more usable produce per farmer with the same effort. Lower spoilage means fewer suppliers are needed to meet volume targets, minimising sourcing and logistics costs. As a result, companies can secure higher net volumes without increasing collection efforts, improving overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Contexts Best Suited to
Most crop contexts.
Perishable crops: where maintaining quality post-harvest is paramount.
Crops sensitive to issues such as aflatoxins: where need is high.
Perishable crops: where maintaining quality post-harvest is paramount.
Crops sensitive to issues such as aflatoxins: where need is high.
Key Risks
Resistance & Limited adoption: One risk is farmer opposition to practice adoption and minimal diffusion of practices outside of training touchpoints.
Environmental Impact
Positive:
Proper handling, storage, and transportation minimise spoilage and losses, reducing resource waste (e.g., water, land, and fertilisers).
Ambition level
Low
Time
A moderate upfront time investment is required to train the Extension Agents, ToTs and Lead Farmers. Thereafter, Post-Harvest training can be conducted on a routine basis (e.g., seasonally), led by the trainers and coordinated by the agri-SME.
Investment Need
HR costs for trainers and development of curriculum. Additional costs may be incurred if through the training farmers are provided post-harvest handling equipment, such as tarpaulins, silos, bags, jerrycans, access to storage, etc.
