Food Security: Agriculture and Gender Relations in Post Harvest Storage

Abstract

Provision of food has always been a challenge facing mankind. A majorcornerstone in this challenge is the competition from insect pests. While some pest-associated losses occur when the crops are standing in the farms or greenhouses, others are caused during storage in bins and granaries. Improvements in agricultural productivity are necessary to increase rural household incomes and access to available food but are insufficient to ensure food security. Achieving food security in its totality continues to be a challenge not only for the developing nations, but also for the developed world. Food security not only requires an adequate supply of food which also entails availability, access, and utilization of the food but also take into consideration post-harvest storage to prevent losses. In many African countries, subsistence farmers, regional scientists, and extension specialists rely on local plants for many medicinal needs and are amenable to using traditional plant materials for insect pest management. This paper discusses the rate of post harvest losses and sustainability of the agricultural policies and the role of the female gender in this issue.