East Africa Leads the Way in Post-Harvest Loss Reduction

Posted on :Thursday , 22nd December 2016

East Africa Region is expected to hold Postharvest Technology congress next year to address and reduce the level of loss that account for more than 30 per cent of the food produced for human consumption.

The Inter Region Economic Network (IREN), Chief Executive Officer Mr James Shikwati said the first ever 'East Africa Postharvest Technology' congress and challenge will be held in Nairobi, Kenya toward the end of next year's quarter one.

"This competition will enable us to identify a range of technologies that have the potential to help the continent confront and counter the huge challenges in post-harvest management," Mr Shikwati said in a statement from Nairobi. IREN is coordinating the congress in partnership with the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub and Syngenta.

He said the key highlight of the congress will be the inaugural 'Postharvest Technology Challenge 2017,' which aims to identify ten scalable innovations and technologies, from the East Africa Community block.

"IREN welcomes entries featuring postharvest innovations and technologies that demonstrate potential for scale-up and wider dissemination from institutions, innovators, researchers and individuals aged 18 and above from the East African member countries namely Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi," he said.

The challenge centres to address challenges in postharvest management of perishable food crop commodities, perishable livestock and fish products, and non-perishable food commodities that include grains, cereals, pulses and processed foods.

Mr Shikwati said yesterday that the main strategic partner in the congress organization is the Rockefeller Foundation. Others include the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Horticulture Innovation Engine (USAID), Postharvest Education Foundation (PEF), Global Alliance for Improve Nutrition (GAIN), East Africa Grain Council (EAGC) among others. And top 10 contestants will be invited to showcase their projects at The 1st All Africa Post Harvest Congress and Exhibition and pitch to potential investors.

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