The objective of this synthesis is to provide an updated analysis of the evolution of postharvest technologies used for the processing and conservation of grains and tubers by African farmers. These technologies permit to ensure food security to rural families, and avoid losses during harvesting, threshing or damage by pests or inadequate processing methods. Farmers will only increase their production if they are provided with adequate post-harvest techniques. The majority of post-harvest techniques used in Africa are still based on traditional practices, however, there has been a large effort to improve existing practices. There have been various post-harvest projects executed by several organizations and a large number of projects operated by the Agricultural Engineering Service (AGSE) and the Prevention of Food Losses Programme (PFL) of FAO. This synthesis has been based on a collection of data from FAO projects as well as on contributions of the participants in the Workshop on African Experience in the Improvement of Post-Harvest Technology, organized in Accra in July 1994 by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Agricultural Engineering Service of FAO (AGSE). The Government of France and the Prevention of Food Losses Prograrnme of FAO have provided a financial contribution to the Workshop.