Training Course on Post-Harvest Management and Loss Reduction

Course Overview
Post-harvest losses remain a major challenge in agriculture, with up to 30–40% of total food production lost before it reaches the consumer. These losses undermine food security, reduce farmer incomes, and strain already limited production resources. Addressing post-harvest inefficiencies is critical for improving food availability, value chain efficiency, and market competitiveness—particularly in developing countries.
This course offers a practical and holistic approach to understanding and addressing post-harvest losses across key agricultural commodities. Participants will be equipped with tools and techniques to improve handling, storage, processing, packaging, and transportation of agricultural produce. It covers both perishable and non-perishable crops and highlights cost-effective technologies and innovations suited to smallholders and agribusinesses.
With a strong focus on quality management, food safety, and value addition, this course also explores institutional strategies for scaling up post-harvest interventions. Participants will analyze real-world case studies and participate in practical exercises to develop customized solutions for loss reduction at the farm, cooperative, and commercial levels.
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Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
•Understand the causes and stages of post-harvest losses for key crops.
•Apply best practices in post-harvest handling, storage, and preservation.
•Promote improved technologies for drying, processing, packaging, and transport.
•Implement quality control and food safety measures along the value chain.
•Analyze the economic and food security impacts of post-harvest losses.
•Develop institutional or enterprise-level post-harvest management strategies.
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Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
•Agricultural extension and agribusiness officers
•Post-harvest specialists and food technologists
•Cooperative and warehouse managers
•Farmers, traders, and agro-processors
•NGO and development project staff working on food security and market access
•Policy makers and program designers in agriculture and trade
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Training Methodology
•Interactive technical presentations and expert-led discussions
•Case studies on loss reduction innovations and business models
•Group exercises and supply chain simulations
•Demonstrations of post-harvest tools and technologies
•Field visit (optional) to storage or processing sites
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Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
•Gain practical knowledge of handling and storage techniques that minimize losses
•Understand how to implement simple and cost-effective post-harvest technologies
•Improve food safety compliance and market readiness of agricultural produce
•Strengthen the ability to design interventions that enhance value and reduce waste
•Prepare post-harvest improvement plans for farms, cooperatives, or institutions