Replication of Successful Post Harvest Technology in Latin America Project (2015-18)

At the end of 2012 SDC has started the project “Wide spread Replication of Successful Post Harvest Technology in Latin America (Proyecto Postcosecha América Latina PPAL)”. In a preliminary phase (2012-2014) market studies were carried out, key actors identified and a market test launched in Honduras. The aim of the current phase (2015-2018) is to develop and help implement business models for the widespread distribution of post-production solutions.

SDC has promoted sale and distribution of metal silos to more than 400’000 rural households in Central America from 1983 to 2009 (see POSTCOSECHA programme). However, coverage is not yet near saturation and post-production technologies and practices are still needed and relevant since post-harvest losses for grains remain high in Latin America. Market studies from 2014 show that the demand for post-production technologies and practices is still unsatisfied. This is an interesting market opportunity especially for agribusiness companies and retailers who traditionally sell inputs.

With this project, SDC in partnership with private sector actors aims at increasing income and food security of 130’000 rural families in 5 Latin American countries: Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Selling post-production solutions for maize and beans to subsistence and low-income farmers will allow agribusiness companies to enter into new markets, while reducing postharvest losses and improving life conditions for small farmers. Replication of the business model will be supported by conducive policies and knowledge management.

More information can be accessed here.