Post-harvest Food Losses Research Articles

Techno-Economic Analysis of BAU-STR Dryer for Rice Drying: An Approach to Accelerate Adoption

Postharvest food loss and waste offset worldwide agricultural productivity and food security. Insufficient drying and storage are the prominent drivers of food loss and waste in underdeveloped countries. Mechanical grain drying systems have distinct benefits over sun drying but are inaccessible to underserved communities due to high capital costs and energy demand. This study evaluated the techno-economic and financial performance of a half-ton-capacity BAU-STR dryer. The moisture extraction rate, drying rate, drying efficiency, and energy consumption were used as technical performance indicators. In contrast, the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit–cost ratio (BCR), and payback period were considered economic performance indicators. The technical performance analysis results revealed that the moisture content of rice was reduced from 19.5% to 13.5 ± 0.15% in 4.0 h with an average drying rate of 1.5%/h and a drying efficiency of 75.1%. The financial performance analysis resulted in a drying cost, NPV, IRR, BCR, and PBP of USD 0.96 per 100 kg of grain, USD 3018, 135%, 3.0, and 0.73 yr., respectively, when the annual use was 240 h. If the yearly use of the dryer increased from 240 to 720 h, a higher NPV, IRR, and BCR, as well as a lower payback period and drying cost, could be achieved. Adopting a BAU-STR dryer for drying grain (rice and corn) among underserved communities could play a key role in postharvest food loss and waste.

Minimizing postharvest food losses: a vital strategy to alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition in developing nations: a review

Abstract As global food production encounters escalating challenges, postharvest losses (PHLs) emerge as a critical yet often overlooked issue. Despite considerable progress in food production, PHLs remain a significant concern, accounting for an average of 14% of food production in 2021. Against the backdrop of 811 million people facing food insecurity and the triple burden of malnutrition, it becomes increasingly evident that reducing food losses offers a sustainable solution to enhancing global food and nutritional security, particularly in developing countries. This review aims to underscore the significance of PHLs, their impact on global food security, and the current PHL scenario in developing nations. Despite the abundance of innovative technologies developed by researchers, accessibility to these technologies remains limited for farmers in many countries. The ongoing struggle and dire circumstances surrounding proper food handling in developing nations necessitate immediate action. Research efforts must focus on assessing the regional applicability, costs, and economic returns of existing technologies for mitigating PHLs. In addition to capital investments, the long-term sustainability of reducing PHLs hinges on ensuring the effective use of these technologies through education and training. Graphical Abstract

Integration of renewable energy-powered cold storage solutions for reducing post-harvest food waste in rural agricultural areas

Post-harvest food loss remains a critical challenge in rural agricultural areas, exacerbated by inadequate storage facilities and unreliable energy access. This study develops and optimizes an advanced renewable energy-powered cold storage system tailored for rural settings, integrating solar and wind energy with phase change materials (PCMs) for efficient energy storage. The system incorporates Internet of Things (IoT)-based sensors and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven energy management to maintain optimal storage conditions and enhance energy efficiency. Field trials conducted in Lincolnshire, UK, and Appalachian regions of the US demonstrated significant reductions in post-harvest food loss by an average of 43.5%, extensions in produce shelf-life by up to 300%, and increased income for smallholder farmers by approximately 43%. The system also achieved an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel-powered systems. Economic analyses revealed a shorter payback period and higher return on investment, confirming the system's viability. High user satisfaction and adoption rates indicate the system's practicality and potential for widespread implementation. The findings suggest that integrating renewable energy with smart technologies in cold storage solutions offers a scalable and sustainable approach to enhancing food security, promoting economic growth in rural areas, and supporting environmental objectives globally.

A study on the performance of corn grain dryer using hybrid solar drying with liquefied petroleum gas

Corn is a widely produced and consumed agricultural product, used as fuel, staple food, and livestock feed. The high level of corn production can lead to potential post-harvest food losses. Drying methods offer a solution to extend the shelf life of a substance. Hybrid solar drying, which combines solar drying with additional heating, particularly using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), was introduced in this research to ensure faster and more efficient drying processes. The three drying methods compared in this study consist of open sun drying, natural solar drying, and hybrid solar drying. The research results show an average corn grain moisture content of 13.95% over 10.5 hrs, 13.75% over 6 hrs, 13.65% over 7 hrs, 13.45% over 5 hrs, and 13.65% over 4.5 hrs in open sun drying, natural solar drying, and hybrid solar drying with temperature variables of 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C. The average drying rates were 0.212 g/min, 0.364 g/min, 0.318 g/min, 0.439 g/ min, and 0.477 g/min, respectively. The average drying efficiency values for each variable were 2.968%, 4.719%, 5.358%, 5.271%, and 6.037%. In the proximate test, the corn grain moisture content in the hybrid solar drying variable at 60°C was 13.8%, ash was 1.24%, protein was 7.76%, fat was 4.40%, and carbohydrate was 72.8%. For the corn grain color test, the average values obtained were L = 46.48, a = 4.58, and b = 25.37. Meanwhile, the aflatoxin test for dried corn grains showed values of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 <0.5 with a total aflatoxin content <2.00. Therefore, hybrid solar drying is recommended over open sun drying and natural solar drying because of its ability to operate even in unfavorable weather conditions, its temperature control capability, its ability to accelerate the drying process, and its capacity to maintain the quality of the material.

Wild rodents seed choice is relevant for sustainable agriculture

Mitigating pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) and post-harvest food loss (PHFL) is essential for enhancing food securrity. To reduce food loss, the use of plant derived specialized metabolites can represent a good approach to develop a more eco-friendly agriculture. Here, we have discovered that soybean seeds hidden underground during winter by Tscherskia triton and Apodemus agrarius during winter possess a higher concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to those remaining exposed in fields. This selection by rodents suggests that among the identified volatiles, 3-FurAldehyde (Fur) and (E)-2-Heptenal (eHep) effectively inhibit the growth of plant pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani and Pseudomonas syringae. Additionally, compounds such as Camphene (Cam), 3-FurAldehyde, and (E)-2-Heptenal, suppress the germination of seeds in crops including soybean, rice, maize, and wheat. Importantly, some of these VOCs also prevent rice seeds from pre-harvest sprouting. Consequently, our findings offer straightforward and practical approaches to seed protection and the reduction of PHS and PHFL, indicating potential new pathways for breeding, and reducing both PHS and pesticide usage in agriculture.

Evaluation des structures locales de stockage des grains et des graines dans le Département des Bamboutos, Cameroun

Post-harvest food losses remain a major problem in sub-Saharan Africa. A study of local storage structures aimed at carrying out a diagnostic analysis of post-harvest losses in grains and seeds in the Bamboutos department, West region, Cameroon. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 240 producers in 12 villages, spread over 3 subdivisions. Air temperature and relative humidity data were collected over 80 days at two storage stores in this study area. Twelve samples of food infested by insect were taken and deposited in the entomology laboratory of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences at Dschang University for identification. It emerges from this investigation that corn is the only grain stored by producers. Beans and peanuts are mostly stored seeds, while pistachios and soybeans are seeds stored by few farmers. Three structures are used for grain storage: granaries (86.25%), cribs (10.42%) and stores (3.33%). Among the containers, two are mainly used for seed storage: barrels (58.38%) and bags (39.25%); buckets with lids are used by a few farmers (2.36%). The storage period of corn is between 8 and 12 months. The storage period of peanuts is between 6 and 8 months and beans between 4 and 5 months. The use of chemicals, inert matter (ash) and plant substance (neem) are the three methods of protection used in Bamboutos. Bamboutos storage stores promote the development of molds and insects. Three major groups of biological agents are responsible for spoilage: insects (Callosobruchus maculatus F., Sitophilus zeamais M. and Acanthoscelides obtectus S.), rodents (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus and Mus musculus) and molds. Insects are the pests that cause the most damage to stored products according to 55.42% of producers. According to 23.58% of producers, it is rodents and 15% molds. Farmers estimate that the damage to the stock is between 7% and 30% after destocking of maize. This damage is between 2% and 5% after removal of beans from storage and less than 3% after removal of peanuts. Farmers underestimate the damage caused by pests on corn, which is around 40% after 10 months of storage in granaries. It is therefore essential for Cameroonian farmers to master and respect the storage techniques according to the storage structures and the foodstuffs stored.

Towards net zero in agriculture: Future challenges and opportunities for arable, livestock and protected cropping systems in the UK

The agricultural sector faces multiple challenges linked to increased climate uncertainty, causing severe shocks including increased frequency of extreme weather events, new pest and disease risks, soil degradation, and pre and postharvest food losses. This situation is further exacerbated by geopolitical instability and volatility in energy prices impacting on fertiliser supplies and production costs. Net zero strategies are vital to achieve both food security and address negative environmental impacts. This perspective paper reviews and assesses the most viable options (actions) to achieve net zero with a focus on the arable/livestock and protected cropping sectors in the UK. The methodology was based on a synthesis of relevant literature, coupled with expert opinions using the holistic PESTLE (Political, Environmental, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) approach to categorise actions, leading to formulation of a roadmap to achieve net zero. The PESTLE analysis indicated that there are technically and economically viable actions available which need to be prioritised depending on the ease of their implementation within the two crop sectors investigated. These actions include (i) policy changes that are better aligned to net zero; (ii) circular economy approaches; (iii) connectivity and accessibility of information; (iv) increased resilience to shocks; (v) changing diets, nutrition and lifestyles; (vi) target setting and attainment; and (vii) farm economics and livelihoods. The outputs can be used by stakeholders and decision makers to inform policy and drive meaningful changes in global food and environmental security.

Lost harvest: examining the association between postharvest food loss and food insecurity in semi-arid Ghana

ABSTRACT According to the World Resources Institute, about one in every four calories produced for human consumption globally is not eventually consumed by humans. In sub-Saharan Africa, postharvest food loss (PHL) alone accounts for 20–30% of annual production, with an estimated value of 1.6 billion USD. Yet, agricultural policies that target improving food security have largely focused on augmenting productivity with little attention to PHL reduction. That notwithstanding, PHL has the potential to undermine several key dimensions of food insecurity. For instance, it can compromise household food reserves and drive food price hikes. Reductions in food quality may also impact food utilization. The prevalence of PHL and its relationship with food insecurity, however, remains underexplored. Using a cross-sectional survey of smallholder farming households (n = 1100) in Ghana, we examined the association between PHL and food insecurity. Our findings show that, on average, 22% of household harvest is lost postharvest. Nested ordered logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between PHL and food insecurity. A unit increase in PHL (OR = 1.08; p ≤ 0.05) was significantly associated with an 8% increase in the odds of being severely food insecure. Our findings provide an empirical basis for the argument that addressing PHL is a viable entry point for addressing food insecurity in the Global South. While it is crucial to pay attention to production concerns, food policy must simultaneously address postharvest management challenges of smallholder farmers. Policies that prioritize investment in contextually relevant and low-cost solutions to postharvest management will be timely.

Exploring Socio-Cultural Hybridity and the Role of Indigenous Postharvest Practices in Northern Uganda: The Case of Kwania and Kole Districts

Background: There is growing recognition that addressing food and nutrition (in)security requires an acknowledgement of the plurality of knowledge systems, including indigenous management practices. This paper relies on quantitative research strategies to explore 'socio-cultural hybridity' as a bridge between low levels of 'modern' technology adoption and the loss of indigenous postharvest management practices. The results presented here partly informed a more participatory project on indigenous knowledge in Northern Uganda, and has wider implications for interventions towards postharvest food loss and waste in rural communities globally. Data was collected in Uganda’s Kwania and Kole Districts between June and July 2022 (n=213). We uniquely calculate reliance levels on post-harvest management practices using ordinal data. Results: Although sex does not significantly impact reliance on indigenous knowledge and practices (IK_Score), the coefficient of the sex variable shows that men have an IK_Score 0.87 units lower than women, explained by the skewness of access to education (p= 0.044) towards men. Secondary and tertiary educated participants had a lower IK_Score than those without formal education. Additionally, age was statistically significant on the IK_Score. Participants above 70 (p=0.01E-6) have an IK_Score 24.1 units higher than those aged between 19-35. Tertiary/university-level education has a significant impact (p=7.50E-6) reliance on modern technology (MT_Score). The importance of 'social situatedness' e.g., belonging to farmers group, is essential for 'cultural mixing' and explains the importance of social variables on adopting modern technology. Participants who belong to farmers groups (p=0.034) had a higher MT_Score. Although income was not a statistically significant variable for the IK_Score, income was statistically significant for the MT_Score (p=1.2E-4), which ultimately affects cultural mixing. Conclusion: Modernisation variables, such as education and income, significantly impact smallholder farmers' willingness to change. Finally, social situatedness, such as belonging to farmer's groups positively impacts socio-cultural hybridity. If researchers, policymakers and practitioners continuously fail to account for local and indigenous knowledge systems, the actual agents of change in rural communities may be continuously side-lined in their efforts towards reducing postharvest losses. Identifying these socioeconomic factors provides opportunities to review approaches to reducing postharvest management practices in these rural settings.

Microbiome-based solutions to address new and existing threats to food security, nutrition, health and agrifood systems' sustainability

In addition to challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, the sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems worldwide are currently challenged by new threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. Furthermore, the resilience and sustainability of our agrifood systems need to be enhanced in ways that simultaneously increase agricultural production, decrease post-harvest food losses and food waste, protect the climate, environment and health, and preserve biodiversity. The precarious situation of agrifood systems is also illustrated by the fact that overall, around 3 billion people worldwide still do not have regular access to a healthy diet. This results in various forms of malnutrition, as well as increasing number of people suffering from overweight and obesity, and diet-related, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) around the world. Findings from microbiome research have shown that the human gut microbiome plays a key role in nutrition and diet-related diseases and thus human health. Furthermore, the microbiome of soils, plants, and animals play an equally important role in environmental health and agricultural production. Upcoming, microbiome-based solutions hold great potential for more resilient, sustainable, and productive agrifood systems and open avenues toward preventive health management. Microbiome-based solutions will also be key to make better use of natural resources and increase the resilience of agrifood systems to future emerging and already-known crises. To realize the promises of microbiome science and innovation, there is a need to invest in enhancing the role of microbiomes in agrifood systems in a holistic One Health approach and to accelerate knowledge translation and implementation.

Assessing the measurement methods of post-harvest food loss and waste: opportunities and challenges

Assessing the measurement methods of post-harvest food loss and waste: opportunities and challenges

A Scientometric Review of Grain Storage Technology in the Past 15 Years (2007-2022) Based on Knowledge Graph and Visualization.

Food storage helps to ensure the food consumption needs of non-agricultural populations and to respond to major natural disasters or other emergencies, and the application of food storage technology can reduce post-harvest food losses. However, there are still obvious shortcomings in coping with large grain losses. Therefore, quantitative analysis of the research hotspots and evolutionary trends of grain storage technology is important to help the development of grain storage technology. This article uses the Web of Science database from 2007 to 2022 as a data sample with the help of CiteSpace software to analyze the basic situation, research hotspots, and evolutionary trends to draw a series of relevant knowledge maps. Visual analysis revealed that the number of publications had grown rapidly since 2015. First, the Journal of Stored Products Research, Journal of Economic Entomology, and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, with citation frequencies of 929, 536, and 453, should be focused on in order to keep up with the latest research developments in this field. The United States, China, and Brazil occupy dominant positions in relation to grain storage technology studies in general. Purdue University, Kansas State University, and Agricultural Research Institute ranked the top three in terms of the number and centrality of publications. In terms of research hotspots, the centrality of temperature, insects, carbon dioxide, and quality were 0.16, 0.09, 0.08, and 0.08. It shows that the field of grain storage technology in recent years has focused on grain storage temperature, pest control, and grain storage quality research. From the perspective of the evolution trend, the life cycle of emergent words lasts for several years, after which the strength of emergent words slowly decreases and is replaced by new emergent words. Mortality was the first keyword to appear and remained from 2007 to 2011, indicating that research on fumigants and their toxicity, as well as pest mortality under air fumigation and chemical fumigation conditions, became more popular during this period. In recent years, new terms have emerged that had never been used before, such as "grain quality" (2019-2022) and "stability" (2020-2022). We can find that people pursue food quality more with the improvement of people's living standards. In this context, future research should seek more efficient, safe, economical, and environmentally friendly methods of grain storage and continuously improve the level of scientific grain storage.

Understanding barriers impeding the deployment of solar-powered cold storage technologies for post-harvest tomato losses reduction: Insights from small-scale farmers in Tanzania

Postharvest food loss remains one of the major food security challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa (Africa). In Tanzania, it is estimated that about 50 percent of fresh tomatoes perish before reaching consumers due to poor post-harvest management. The lack of cold storage facilities is one of the leading causes of massive post-harvest tomato losses, negatively affecting farmers' livelihoods and the sector's economic contribution. For small-scale farmers in off-grid locations, the adoption of solar-powered cold storage technologies has been found to be a potential solution for reducing losses of highly perishable crops such as tomatoes. However, in Tanzania, the deployment of Solar-powered Cold Storage Technologies (SPCSTs) is limited, leaving the vast majority of rural small-scale farmers without access to such facilities. This study examined barriers impeding the deployment and uptake of Solar-powered Cold Storage Technologies in Tanzania. Farmers' perceptions about SPCSTs and constraints limiting their deployment were examined through semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) held between April and June 2021 in Kilolo district, Southeast Tanzania. Participants involved fifty-two (n = 52) small-scale tomato farmers and twenty-three (n = 23) experts and key informants from government and non-profit organizations that were purposively selected. The results show that the deployment of solar-powered cold storage technologies is constrained by limited awareness, high investment costs, low-paying capacity among farmers, and consumer preference for non-refrigerated foods. Addressing these barriers demand promoting policies and programs that attract and retain investment in cold storage technologies and improve SPCSTs affordability through flexible payment arrangements.

Sustainability potential of app-based food loss measurement: Farmers' perspectives in southwestern British Columbia, Canada

Food loss is a systemic problem contributing to negative environmental, social, and economic impacts. However, despite food loss quantification being identified as critical for food loss prevention and reduction, there is a dearth of studies exploring opportunities to digitize or simplify food loss measurement. Moreover, post-harvest food loss estimates can be difficult to obtain as farmers grow different types of crops and have diverse technical skills as well as resources. Digital agriculture technologies such as farm management apps that can help farmers accurately record their yield and sales may provide a useful method for quantifying food loss. Accurate food loss quantification may also help provide better baseline measurement for policymakers. To assess the potential role of digital agricultural tools for food loss quantification, this exploratory study recruited seven farmers in southwest British Columbia to test an open access farm management app called LiteFarm for 2 months and digitally recorded their harvest logs. Drawing upon semi-structured key informant interviews, this study found that time scarcity and crop diversity were barriers to using the app. An unexpected benefit to the app is that it can better inform land use decisions when utilized for pre-harvest planning and therefore may help with loss prevention. Findings from this study highlight farmers' struggles to focus on sustainability and reducing food loss, especially when balancing their economic interests. Inclusive digital technologies and deeper engagement with farmers are needed to develop food loss quantification methods that fit diverse farming contexts.

Conservation of red guava 'Pedro Sato' using chitosan and gelatin-based coatings produced by the layer-by-layer technique

The nutrients present in fruits are associated with health benefits, which is why fruit consumption has increased globally. However, global statistics show that fruits together with vegetables constitute the largest part of post-harvest food losses. This is because fruits such as guava are highly perishable and therefore degradation occurs quickly. This study aimed to assess the conservation of 'Pedro Sato' red guavas using chitosan and gelatin coatings produced by the layer-by-layer technique. The fruits were immersed in the following treatments: [1] control; [2] chitosan; [3] gelatin, and [4] chitosan and glycerol under gelatin. After drying, the guavas were stored for eight days at 21 ± 0.3 °C and 77 ± 6 % RH. Chemical characterization of coatings, weight loss, color, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic solid, chlorophylls, lycopene, total phenolic, antioxidant activity, lipid oxidation, catalase and peroxidase were analyzed in the fruits. Guava coating with gelatin/chitosan by the layer-by-layer technique delayed ripening, protected against diseases, reduced in loss of weight loss and lipid oxidation, maintained color and firmness, and enhanced catalase enzyme activity. The coating increased guava conservation for at least eight days, indicating the good potential of this coating technique association.

Effects of Packaging on Proximate and Mineral Compositions of Ndop Rice (Tox Variety) During Storage

This study was conducted to investigate the pre and postharvest activities of rice stakeholders and to evaluate the influence of packaging on the proximate and mineral compositions of Ndop rice (TOX rice variety). A survey involving rice stakeholders was conducted in Ndop using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather information on the production, preparation, storage and handling practices of rice. It was found after the survey that, Ndop rice samples from UNVDA were stored in different packaging materials viz; polypropylene, nylon, rubber containers and paper bags at room temperature for two months. It was documented that 55% male and 45% female with the majority (63%) within the age category of 31-50 years are involved in Ndop rice postharvest management practices. Results also revealed that a majority (71%) of the respondents use polypropylene woven bags as packaging materials while 38% of respondents store rice for six months. Mice and weevils were reported as the key biotic factors affecting Ndop rice during storage. Furthermore, the results also showed that the moisture content (MC), fat, carbohydrate, ash and crude fiber contents decreased while protein increased across all the treatments during storage. Rice packed in paper bags had the lowest MC (10.17%), while rice in rubber containers had the highest MC (14.67%), at the end of the two months storage period. Rice packed in nylon bag had the highest protein content (14.11±0.71%). The mineral contents of Ndop rice decrease across all treatments after the second month of storage. The highest mineral retention (214.22±5.64 mg/100g for potassium) was observed in rice packed in paper bags. To maintain quality, paper bags or plastic buckets could be recommended as the best packaging materials for Ndop rice at the end of the second-month storage duration. This study contributes to food sufficiency and security by curbing postharvest food loss in Cameroon.

A nanomaterial-stabilized starch-beeswax Pickering emulsion coating to extend produce shelf-life

There is a dire need to cut post-harvest food loss to improve global food security, public health, and sustainable natural resource use. Fruits and vegetables constitute one of the most perishable food items and typically require cold storage systems, adequate packaging, and efficient transport and road systems to reduce their loss. This research showed that by stabilizing cornstarch and beeswax emulsion with cellulose nanocrystals, a sustainable and edible coating that substantially reduces the spoilage of fruits and other produce could be obtained. Native and aliphatic succinic anhydride-modified CNCs were employed as Pickering emulsifiers. The effect of emulsion stabilizers concentrations on the enhancement of physical properties, reduction of water vapor loss, and oxygen permeability was investigated, and 2 wt% modified CNC was selected as the optimal Pickering emulsion stabilizer. Fresh bananas, strawberries, and fresh-cut apples that were dip-coated with the formulated edible coating displayed magnificent color and freshness preservation by reducing oxygen activities and preventing moisture losses. Overall, the studied emulsion is edible and inexpensive, making it an exciting material that can be used to combat fresh produce waste caused by oxidative and enzymatic over-ripening.

A Review on Post-Harvesting Losses and Opportunities in Cold Chain

The food supply chain is one of the most complex systems. The system begins with production and then continues with food handling techniques for preservation. In practice, the surplus food distributed seems to have been passing through various stages before it actually reaches out to consumers. However, the question arises if all the food produced is totally consumed. In this paper, we shall be studying the distinct stages involved in the food supply chain; how and where the food loss takes place; and the tremendous impacts it caused socially and economically. This paper will further help in quantifying the food waste and shall be obliged in identifying the required actions to overcome food loss and waste globally. This paper outlines different strategies and approaches adopted for post-harvest food loss assessments in order to achieve sustainable food services; move towards zero waste economy to implement poverty extermination and food security around the world.

Accelerating Post-Harvest Food Loss Reduction in Nigeria Through the Development of a Pilot-Scale Vacuum Cooling and Storage System

The problem of the loss of food after harvest has drawn worldwide attention in the latest decades. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other national and international organizations had estimated that one-third of all foods produced and half of all fruit and vegetables are lost or wasted between harvest and use. In September 2015, the United Nations (UN) announced its objective of decreasing global food waste and significantly decreasing global food loss by 2030, as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The post-harvest loss of food is a major challenge in sub-Saharan African nations for farmers and growers, with spoilt foods leading to up to 50% of harvested food that does not reach the marketplace. This is not only a problem for farmers themselves, who are suffering from decreased incomes and loss of commercial opportunities, but it is also a problem for the environment and resources as far as unnecessary emissions of greenhouse gas are concerned. This paper examines the opportunities that a vacuum storage system presents in reducing food losses after harvest and highlights the challenges in Nigeria to adopt this technology. The equally encapsulated the design, fabrication and testing of vacuum cooling machine Keywords: Postharvest, Food Loss, Nigeria, Storage, Vacuum-Cooling DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-20-03 Publication date: October 31 st 2021

Reducing postharvest food losses in organic spinach with the implementation of high tunnel production systems

Fresh produce constitutes 44% by weight of the global food losses and waste. Postharvest losses of fresh produce are closely related to the preharvest field conditions during growth. In the Central US, many small acreage vegetable growers are utilizing high tunnels, which have been successful in increasing the yield of several crops. Little is known about the effect of this production system on the postharvest losses. This study tested the hypothesis that the production system will affect the postharvest losses of organic spinach (Spinacia oleracea, “Corvair”) when stored at 3 or 13 °C. Comparative open field and high tunnel trials were conducted from 2015 to 2017. Postharvest losses were evaluated with regard to the spinach quality characteristics and shelf life. During storage at 3 °C, there were no major quality differences between the spinach grown in the two production systems. During storage at 13 °C, in both years, spinach grown in the high tunnels had 1.2 to 2.3% higher water content than spinach grown in the open field. In the second year, high tunnel spinach stored at 13 °C had a lower respiration rate (P < 0.05) and a slower rate of yellowing as indicated by higher chlorophyll content (P < 0.001), significantly lower lightness values, and significantly higher hue values than open field spinach. The high tunnel spinach demonstrated longer shelf life in year 1 and higher quality towards the end of storage in year two when compared to open field spinach when stored at 13 °C. This is the first study to examine the effect of the high tunnel production system on the postharvest quality and losses of spinach. Our results indicate that high tunnels can reduce the postharvest food losses of spinach when stored at 13 °C, due to increased water content and decreased senescence rate.