Food security challenges and the role ofpost-harvest losses

Ethiopia struggles with food insecurity worsened by substantial postharvest losses in its agriculture value chains. Recent estimates reveal significant loss rates of up to 30% for grains, 50% for fruits and vegetables, and 40% for red meat and milk. These losses exacerbate food insecurity in a country where millions already struggle to access adequate nutrition.

Contributing to address this issue, SWR Ethiopia, through its RAISE-FS project, has initiated efforts to design a robust framework for measuring and mitigating PHL. In a virtual workshop held recently, experts and stakeholders came together to discuss strategies for reducing post-harvest losses. Facilitated by Josianne Cloutier, a researcher in Post-harvest Technology at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the workshop highlighted the urgent need for a standardized methodology to measure PHL. Dr. Akalu Teshome, Food System Transformation Advisor for SWR Ethiopia-RAISE-FS, opened the session by emphasizing the critical role of addressing PHL in achieving Ethiopia’s food and nutrition security goals.

Key presentations during the workshop focused on innovative approaches to tackling postharvest losses. Topics included the “Target-Measure-Act” framework, the UN’s food loss reduction targets, and the importance of science and innovation in minimizing losses across agricultural value chains. Discussions underscored the need for Ethiopia to adopt flexible, context-specific methodologies while aligning with global definitions of food loss and waste.

Participants identified high-priority commodities for PHL measurement, emphasizing their importance to Ethiopia’s food security, export potential, and industrial supply chains. Crops such as maize, sorghum, potatoes, bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, onions, sesame, pulses, and avocados were highlighted.

The workshop also stressed the importance of distinguishing between production loss and postharvest loss to ensure targeted interventions. Comprehensive measurement frameworks must cover the entire value chain—from harvesting to retail—and account for both quality and quantity losses.

To ensure accurate data collection and analysis, participants recommended employing a combination of techniques such as Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KII), field visits, and load tracking. Periodic assessments every five years, supplemented by annual reviews, were suggested as a way to monitor progress effectively. Validating collected data was identified as critical to informing evidence-based policymaking.

Challenges such as limited access to portable tools and simple assessment techniques were also noted. Participants called for significant investment in higher education programs focused on food science and postharvest management to build local capacity. They emphasized the need for government support in adopting standardized methodologies and granting permissions for data collection across regions.

Effective collaboration among stakeholders emerged as a cornerstone of the initiative’s success. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ethiopian universities such as Bahir Dar University and Haramaya University, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), regional agricultural research institutes, SWR Ethiopia teams, and Wageningen University & Research brought their collective expertise to the table.

Participants agreed on the importance of mapping existing data to identify critical loss points within value chains. They also emphasized the need to make data accessible and reliable for policymakers. The workshop concluded with a call to action to prepare a proactive proposal to address Ethiopia’s PHL challenges. Participants agreed that the proposal should leverage their collective expertise to influence local, national, and export-oriented markets. They also emphasized the importance of raising awareness about food loss and waste among policymakers through evidence-based calculations that highlight the economic and social benefits of reducing PHL.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of professionals with extensive expertise in post=harvest management research, education, and development. Among the participants were experts and researchers from national and regional institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Bahir Dar University, Hawassa University, Jimma University, Haramaya University, Mekelle University, SWR Ethiopia team and Wageningen University & Research, contributed to the discussions.