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Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Strategies and Their Contribution to Food Security in Developing Economies

Olamidotun Nurudeen Michael Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola

Subject area: Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences  ·  Area of research: Post-Harvest Management

Abstract

Post-harvest losses (PHL) pose a significant challenge to achieving food security in developing economies, where inefficient handling, storage, processing, and transportation systems often lead to substantial waste of agricultural produce. This review explores the major causes of post-harvest losses across different value chains?particularly in cereals, fruits, and vegetables?and analyzes the effectiveness of contemporary loss reduction strategies. Emphasis is placed on the integration of improved storage technologies, cold-chain logistics, value addition through agro-processing, and the adoption of digital monitoring systems for supply chain traceability. The paper also examines the role of policy frameworks, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable post-harvest management practices. By synthesizing evidence from empirical studies and field applications, the review highlights how reducing post-harvest losses contributes directly to food availability, farmers? income stability, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration involving governments, private investors, and research institutions in scaling technological and institutional innovations. The findings reveal that holistic PHL reduction strategies?combining technology, education, and policy interventions?can significantly improve food system resilience, enhance nutrition outcomes, and foster economic growth in developing regions.

Keywords

Post-Harvest Management, Food Security, Supply Chain Optimization, Cold Chain Logistics, Agro-Processing, Sustainable Agriculture.

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How to cite this paper

Olamidotun Nurudeen Michael, Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola "Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Strategies and Their Contribution to Food Security in Developing Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 1 Issue 8 2018 Page 183-195
Olamidotun Nurudeen Michael, Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola "Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Strategies and Their Contribution to Food Security in Developing Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 1, no. 8, Feb. 2018
Olamidotun Nurudeen Michael, Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola (2018). Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Strategies and Their Contribution to Food Security in Developing Economies. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 1(8).
Olamidotun Nurudeen Michael, Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola "Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Strategies and Their Contribution to Food Security in Developing Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 1, no. 8, Feb. 2018.
@article{1711396,
      author = {Olamidotun Nurudeen Michael, Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola},
      title = {Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Strategies and Their Contribution to Food Security in Developing Economies},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2018},
      volume = {1},
      number = {8},
      pages = {183-195},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1711396.pdf},
      abstract = {Post-harvest losses (PHL) pose a significant challenge to achieving food security in developing economies, where inefficient handling, storage, processing, and transportation systems often lead to substantial waste of agricultural produce. This review explores the major causes of post-harvest losses across different value chains?particularly in cereals, fruits, and vegetables?and analyzes the effectiveness of contemporary loss reduction strategies. Emphasis is placed on the integration of improved storage technologies, cold-chain logistics, value addition through agro-processing, and the adoption of digital monitoring systems for supply chain traceability. The paper also examines the role of policy frameworks, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable post-harvest management practices. By synthesizing evidence from empirical studies and field applications, the review highlights how reducing post-harvest losses contributes directly to food availability, farmers? income stability, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration involving governments, private investors, and research institutions in scaling technological and institutional innovations. The findings reveal that holistic PHL reduction strategies?combining technology, education, and policy interventions?can significantly improve food system resilience, enhance nutrition outcomes, and foster economic growth in developing regions.},
      keywords = {Post-Harvest Management, Food Security, Supply Chain Optimization, Cold Chain Logistics, Agro-Processing, Sustainable Agriculture.},
      month = {February},
  }