Farmers in the northern part of Ghana, are losing between 20 and 50 percent of yams they produce to post-harvest losses annually. 10 to 40 percent of all vegetables produced are also lost, while maize records about 15 percent post harvest losses.
A Research Scientist with CSIR-SARI, Dr Jerry Nboyine, revealed this during the 2nd Upper West Regional Post Harvest Losses Forum at Wa in the Upper West Region. Dr Nboyine attributed these losses to inadequate technical training of farmers on post harvest losses and the bad nature of roads from farms to market centres among others.
Post-Harvest Loss is defined as a loss in the quality or quantity of farm produce. It is one of the major challenges confronting small holder farmers. The forum focused on how to move from “Policy to Practice in Realizing the Socio-economic Benefits of Addressing Post Harvest Losses. It was organised by the Ghana Trade ad Livelihood Coalition (GTLC) with support from SNV under its Voice for Change project.
The Coordinator for GTLC, Ibrahim Akalbila, was emphatic that stakeholders need to put their heads together to reduce the effects of Post Harvest Losses. He said until issues of Post-Harvest Loses are adequately tackled, Ghana will continue to be food insecure.
A Research Scientist with CSIR-SARI, Dr Jerry Nboyine called for proper drying of crops particularly cereals to ensure they are not contaminated with aflatoxin.
He also encouraged the storage of farm produce in dry and well ventilated rooms.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Amidu Issahaku Chinnia, said government is doing the best it can to address the problem, with the construction of seven warehouses across the region. The forum identified gender sensitive crops worse affected by Post Harvest Losses, Inclusive PHL technologies and when to introduce technology on Post Harvest Losses in the value chain for maximum impact.
