Small-scale farmers stand to earn more income and increase food production, thanks to a $1.5 million (Sh193.5 million) ambitious initiative by the development partners and the national government to reduce post-harvest losses.

A data from the Ministry of Agriculture and other quarters indicate that losses of food production between the farm and market currently stand at 40 per cent due to lack of aggressive attention in in terms of establishing modern and cold storage facilities.

In addition to transport means mainly lorries lacking modern cold systems to guarantee fresh produce longevity. Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations (FAO) Country representative Tipo Nabenyi, said that post-harvest losses have continued to deny the growers impressive earnings and significant market share locally and internationally.

She said current agri-food systems must be adaptable to climate change, and also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time being able to bring more income to households.

“Our agrifood systems should be solutions rather than problems and this transformation should begin at the grassroots level within local communities, ensuring that sustainable practices are effectively implemented,” said Tipo during the launch of Circular Economy in the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) Project at a Nairobi hotel.

The CAIPSs project focuses on producing food in ways that protect and regenerate nature, ensuring that the agricultural practices enhance biodiversity and restore ecosystems for future generations.

Useful products

And addressing food loss and waste and converting materials that would otherwise go to waste into useful products. The project funded by Norway government is being piloted by FAO, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nyamira and Laikipia counties.

“We are working with the identified counties for the next one year to address gaps facing local various food commodities especially, bananas, maize and dairy. Once the pilot project is complete, the national Government and counties are at liberty to scale them up,” added Tipo.

UNIDO Country Representative Tally Einav, said a lot of investment is required to address the gaps along the food value chains that are contributing to post harvest losses.