Post-Harvest Handling & Value Addition for Agroecological Produce

• Up to 40–50% of fresh produce is lost in East Africa due to poor post-harvest handling (FAO, 2023).
• Agroecological crops — often chemical-free and more delicate — spoil faster without proper care.
• Simple value addition (drying, processing, packaging) extends shelf life, reduces losses, and fetches premium prices in domestic and regional markets.
• Meeting buyer standards for quality and presentation opens doors to supermarkets, exporters, and e-commerce.

A study by TradeMark Africa showed that adding simple packaging and grading increased trader earnings by 20–35%.

1. Post-Harvest Handling Basics

• Harvesting: pick at the correct maturity stage; avoid rough handling.
• Sorting: remove damaged/infested produce immediately.
• Cleaning: wash with clean water if safe; dry thoroughly to avoid mould.
• Grading: size, colour, and defect-free produce get better prices.
• Storage: shade, ventilation, and cool conditions are critical.

2. Additional Value Options for Small Traders

• Drying: solar dryers for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains.
• Processing: flour from cassava/millet; oil from nuts/seeds; jams.
• Packaging: ventilated crates, eco-friendly bags, vacuum sealing.
• Labelling & branding: name, weight, date, farm/cooperative.

3. Low-Cost Technologies

Technology	Benefit	Providers/Resources
Solar dryers	Extends the shelf life of fruits/vegetables	https://www.sun-dried.org
Hermetic storage bags	Protect grains from pests & moisture	https://www.grainpro.com
Eco-packaging	Better presentation, premium price	Local packaging hubs: https://www.ecopack.com
Small-scale grinders/oil presses	Add value to cereals/nuts	https://www.agriprofocus.com

4. Meeting SPS & Quality Standards

• Dry, clean, and sort to reduce pest/disease risk.
• Follow good hygiene when processing.
• Label with harvest/processing date for traceability.
• Use PGS certification to signal agroecological integrity: https://www.ifoam.bio/pgs.

5. Connecting to Value-Added Markets

• Supermarkets & cooperatives: demand graded/packaged products.
• Digital platforms (Selina Wamucii, Wasoko) prefer clean, branded products.
• Exporters require basic food safety documentation.

6. Women & Youth Opportunities

• Solar drying, processing, and packaging businesses are accessible & profitable.
• Cooperatives can run shared processing hubs.

Post-Harvest Handling Quick Guide

✅	Action
Harvest early morning when cool.
Sort and discard damaged produce
Clean safely and dry thoroughly.
Use ventilated crates or hermetic bags.
Grade and package neatly
Label (name, weight, harvest date)
Keep storage cool and shaded.

Value Addition Feasibility Questions

• Is there market demand for a dried/processed version?
• Do you have SPS & hygiene certification needs?
• Can you access solar drying or small processing equipment?
• Is your cooperative able to pool produce for economies of scale?

🔗 Key Resources & Links

• FAO Post-Harvest Management: http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/thematic-sitemap/theme/spi/pm/en/
• Practical Action – Solar Drying: https://practicalaction.org/knowledge-centre/resources/solar-drying/
• GrainPro Hermetic Storage: https://www.grainpro.com
• Eco Packaging Solutions: https://www.ecopack.com
• PGS Certification: https://www.ifoam.bio/pgs
• TradeMark Africa Cold Chain & Logistics: https://www.trademarkafrica.com
• AgriProFocus AgriTech Marketplace: https://www.agriprofocus.com