Journal of Biosystems Engineering

Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery (한국농업기계학회)
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Current State of Postharvest Fruit and Vegetable Management in East Africa

  • Wakholi, Collins (Department of Biosystems Machinery Engineering, College of Agricultural and Life Science, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Cho, Byoung-Kwan (Department of Biosystems Machinery Engineering, College of Agricultural and Life Science, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Mo, Changyeun (National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration) ;
  • Kim, Moon S. (Environmental Microbiology and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture)
  • Received : 2015.08.09
  • Accepted : 2015.08.24
  • Published : 2015.09.01
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Abstract

Purpose: Fruit and vegetable production is a fast-growing sector in East Africa, and it bears considerable local and international market potential. In an effort to analyze the challenges within this sector and suggest possible solutions, this study reviews the postharvest handling technologies commonly used with fruits and vegetables in East Africa. Methods: During the course of this study, small-scale farmers were identified as the most prominent producers of fruit and vegetable crops in the region. Results: We found that many of these small-scale farmers employed relative simple and inexpensive techniques in handling their limited volumes of produce. Several factors could be addressed to reduce postharvest losses, including weak policies, inferior infrastructure, and poor market strategies. However, the lack of basic knowledge (including demographic, scientific, and economic knowledge) among the stakeholders (e.g., researchers, farmers, governments, nongovernment organizations, and merchants) on how to develop, implement, use, and sustain the recommended handling technologies is probably the most problematic. Conclusions: We recommend that high priority be placed on closing the knowledge gap, which could enhance the efforts of all the stakeholders to address and reduce postharvest losses.

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