Agriculture stands as a vital sector for numerous countries, Nigeria not exempted. Despite efforts to enhance food production, the country grapples with significant post-harvest losses, especially for fresh produce. Melissa Jones, USAID Mission Director, addressed the imperative to reduce these losses at the 1st Connect Post-harvest Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, unveiling a plan in alignment with President Joe Biden’s commitment to bolster food security in Nigeria.
The unveiled strategy in March targets the rice, maize, and horticulture value chains in six states – Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara. This plan, while capitalizing on past achievements, accentuates inclusive engagement, the value chain, climate adaptation, and involvement of the private sector.
This initiative gains even more significance amidst escalating food insecurity, a surge in food price inflation surpassing 40%, and a general increase in living expenses. Post-harvest losses in Nigeria hover around 50% for fresh products, directly impacting the populace already grappling with access to essential food items.
Jones underscores the significance of averting these post-harvest losses to safeguard the toil of farmers and ensure access to quality food for those in need. Collaboration with the Nigerian government and key institutions like the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute is crucial to fortify the technological and infrastructural capacities required to curtail these losses.
Further emphasizing the urgency to expand intervention efforts by directing more focus on post-harvest activities, Professor Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, asserts the necessity to raise awareness amongst the public, government, and farmers on this often overlooked issue.
In essence, combating post-harvest losses emerges as a pivotal challenge in securing food and enhancing the well-being of Nigeria’s population. By embracing a collaborative approach and deploying effective strategies, the reduction of such losses could ultimately ensure equitable access to nutritious and affordable food for all.