Improving Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa by Reducing Food Loss
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The magnitude of food losses remains unacceptably high around the world. In 2011, FAO estimated yearly global quantitative food losses in sub-Saharan Africa at around 20 percent for cereals, 40-50 percent for root crops, fruits and vegetables and 33 percent for fish. Food losses are brought about by wide-ranging managerial and technical limitations in areas such as harvesting storage and transportation. This is a particular problem for small and medium-sized fisheries and agricultural producers. If markets are not accessible or market prices are too low, farmers and fishers may let good products go to waste, with devastating results for producers and consumers alike. Given the emerging consensus among African leaders that investment in agriculture should address the post-harvest sector, it was agreed that food loss reduction interventions should be strengthened and incorporated in national agricultural strategies.
What did the project do
With much of the post-harvest loss data used for policy-making outdated and lacking in evidence, participating governments requested loss assessment studies, in order to fill the information gaps and inform policy and investment strategies. The project responded by undertaking assessments on the extent and causes of losses along selected food supply chains in 11 African countries. Efforts were made to put information and capacity in place at national level for strategy and policy formulation. Meanwhile, regional workshops, training and awareness-raising campaigns were designed to broaden understanding of the causes of losses and their socio-economic and environmental impact, but also identify strategies and practical solutions to reduce losses.Impact
A stronger understanding of the issues involved in food losses and the ways of identifying strategies and solutions for reducing them is essential when deciding on the right policies and investments to strengthen food security. In this spirit, it was agreed to engage in a broader regional project on the reduction of food losses, based on the project’s findings. It also triggered partnerships and collaboration with food loss reduction projects funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Government of Ireland. It is expected that food security will considerably improve in the target countries as a result of these initiatives.Activities
- 25 food loss assessment studies on commodities prioritized by national governments conducted in the target countries.
- Over 100 people trained in workshops on the use of the practical application of the loss assessment methodology in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Studies in the handling, processing and packaging of smoked fish in Côte d’Ivoire assisted and strengthened. The findings have the potential to inform fish smoking activities in many other African countries.
- 2 228 extension officers from Kenya’s Ministries of Agriculture and Health trained in aflatoxin reduction strategies. Awareness and sensitization campaigns strengthened through media output.