Cutting back the loss – Post-harvest loss management

Agriculture and Post-Harvest Losses in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, agriculture plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of 70 percent of the population. However, post-harvest losses pose a significant challenge to smallholder farmers across the country. Approximately 30 percent of harvested grain is lost due to inadequate storage facilities, forcing farmers to sell their grain immediately after harvesting at low prices. This leaves them in a state of poverty and vulnerability.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Addressing the post-harvest challenges faced by farmers like James, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Zimbabwean Government, through its agricultural extension arms – the Departments of Agricultural Mechanization and AGRITEX, implemented a project aimed at reducing post-harvest grain losses. The project focused on assessing three types of improved grain storage suitable for different rural situations in the country. These included metal silos, improved brick granaries, and hermetic grain storage bags. Additionally, the project provided training to local artisans to manufacture and construct these storage facilities.

28/09/2015

SDGs, Targets and Indicators

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size

2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
   • Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index

The article addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Under SDG 2, the specific target identified in the article is Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. This target is relevant because the article highlights the post-harvest losses faced by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, which leads to them selling their grain at low prices and remaining poor and vulnerable. The indicator mentioned for this target is Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.

Under SDG 12, the specific target identified in the article is Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. This target is relevant because the article discusses the project aimed at reducing post-harvest grain losses in Zimbabwe. The indicator mentioned for this target is Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index.

Source: fao.org