Validation workshop of maize and rice loss assessments and reduction solutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Kinshasa, DRC, 26-27 May 2016 - In the framework of the implementation of the RBAs joint project “Mainstreaming food loss reduction initiatives for smallholders in food deficit areas”, food loss assessments in the maize and rice value chains in the provinces of Kwilu (Idiofa and Bulungu) and in the Congo – Central formerly called Bas-Congo (Seke-banza and Luozi) have been undertaken. Two expert consultants, one specialist in agro-industries and the other one in agro-economy carried out these studies in Idiofa and Bulungu (6-27 April 2015) and in Seke-banza and Luozi (17 August - 20 September 2015) to identify the main causes of post-harvest losses, to identify the critical loss points (CLP) along the supply chains selected for these studies according to predefined criteria, and to assess the losses in quantity and quality.
A validation workshop of the reports has been organized from 26 to 27 May 2016 at the Beatrice Hotel in Kinshasa. It aimed at presenting the objectives of the studies, the approaches used by the experts based on FAO case study methodology for food loss assessments, the results, conclusions and recommendations made by the experts and stakeholders invited from the public and the private sector to discuss the technical, economic, social, environmental, legal aspects and food security; the feasibility and acceptability of food loss reduction measures for the actors (men and women) of food supply chains studied. This validation workshop is critical for the approval of the reports and for collecting additional information, data and proposals that may be included to finalize them or to consider for future investigations on this subject.
Mr Alexis Bonte, FAO Representative ad interim (second from the left) pronounced a welcome speech on behalf of the UN Rome-based agencies (here, in French). He has emphasized the fact that recommended solutions need to be accessible to final users (smallholders). This has to be done by considering the improvement of local grain storage solutions (new and alternative or improved traditional granaries) to ensure adoption and reaching impact also for those who cannot invest in modern solutions such as metallic or plastic hermetic silos when they are available on the market. In addition, Mr Bonte has highlighted that the impact on the income and nutrition status of smallholders, in addition to gender has to be secured.
Mr Christian Gobet, chef de mission adjoint of the Swiss Embassy, renewed the commitment of the Government to support the joint project on food loss reduction, and the importance of this project in DRC.
The Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized on the importance of the joint project in terms of food security in DRC and the country's commitment to halving food losses as per the AU Malabo Declaration.
Participants from the different organizations invited have discussed the results in depth and contributed in the finalization of these reports.
Ms. Mireille Totobesola-Barbier, project manager, presented the framework and the outcomes of the UN RBA joint project and the Community of Practice (CoP) on food loss reduction dynamic platform, and how the results of the loss assessments and pilot project to test the recommended food loss reduction in the pilot countries (Burkina Faso, Uganda, and the DRC) and the CoP knowledge sharing are going to contribute and feed into the 3rd Outcome on policy and regulatory framework and the design of the 2nd phase of the joint project.
In her closing remarks Ms. Totobesola-Barbier, on the basis of the points raised from the discussions during the sessions of the validation workshop, and the lessons from implementation of the joint project, highlighted the importance of collaboration with the ministry of agriculture as well as with the national agricultural research services or centers such as the Institut National sur l'Environnement et la Recherche Agricole, INERA) and the food technologies departments of Universities in DRC (Université de Kinshasa). It is critical to ensure synergies and to build capacities in this area of work in all countries. As in the other countries of this project, to reach the objective of food loss reduction, it is needed to ensure the provision of relevant and good quality extension services, capacity building and trainings at all levels (producers and other actors, such as warehouse managers, etc.). Furthermore, the importance of mainstreaming these issues as part of the agricultural policies and the development of relevant regulatory framework has been recognized.
The final reports on the maize and rice loss assessments and the findings related to the loss reduction solutions will need to incorporate the agreed improvements and the recommendations on additional research that needs to be done to capitalize current knowledge, including the improvements of indigenous solutions, explore all feasible post-harvest management and loss reduction solutions and strategies to better inform future interventions and initiatives, and public and private investments.
Link to List of participants
Links to relevant news : Agence Congolaise de presse, La Référence plus, La cité africaine