**Reducing Post-Harvest Losses and Combating Food Waste to Strengthen Food Security in Africa**
The issue of post-harvest losses and food waste is a critical issue for many African countries, including Nigeria. During a recent training organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Yola, these challenges were discussed in depth.
FAO Representative Ishaka highlighted the significant impact of food waste on Nigeria’s agricultural sector, jeopardizing food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Technological barriers, inefficient harvesting techniques, pest infestations and lack of access to modern farming tools were identified as contributing factors to these post-harvest losses.
Post-harvest losses are also exacerbated by inadequate storage facilities, poor handling practices and poor transport infrastructure. These factors lead to considerable losses, especially for perishable products such as fruits and vegetables.
In addition, inefficient food processing methods, inadequate packaging, insufficient storage and unhealthy consumption habits also contribute to food waste. To combat this scourge, FAO has implemented various initiatives to promote nutritional and sustainable practices within communities, with a focus on reducing post-harvest losses, improving hygiene and ensuring food safety.
By investing in post-harvest infrastructure, strengthening community capacities, providing training and empowerment programmes, FAO is working to empower populations, particularly in the north-eastern region of the country. FAO-supported centres have been set up to locally produce and distribute nutritious foods such as ‘tom brown’, to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in the region.
These initiatives are managed by local communities, promoting community-based initiatives to improve food security. The recently delivered training is expected to have a lasting impact on participants and their communities, improving overall well-being and food security through the adoption of best practices in nutrition.
Reducing post-harvest losses and combating food waste are major challenges to ensure sustainable food security in Africa. Joint efforts by international agencies, local governments and communities are essential to overcome these obstacles and promote a more resilient and equitable food system for all.