The African continent, with its vast agricultural potential, stands at a crossroads. On one hand, Africa possesses the capability to feed its population and even export surplus. On the other, it grapples with staggering postharvest losses that undermine its food security and economic stability. It is against this backdrop that the 4th All Africa Postharvest Congress and Exhibition (4th AAPHCE) was convened from 19th to 22nd September 2023, by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the African Union (AU) Commission, and in collaboration with a consortium of pivotal stakeholders. The event bore the theme: “Sustainable Postharvest Management: Boosting Intra-African Agricultural Trade and Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security.” This theme underscores the dual objective of the congress: to foster intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and to ensure food and nutrition security through efficient postharvest management.
The congress, which seamlessly blended in-person and virtual interactions, witnessed the participation of over 420 delegates. This diverse group comprised senior government representatives, academia, research institutions, international organizations, NGOs, financial institutions, farmers’ organizations, and representatives from the private sector, among others. Such a broad spectrum of attendees highlights the collective recognition of the issue at hand and the shared commitment to address it.
A startling revelation from the FAO estimates that globally, about 30% of food intended for human consumption is lost or wasted along the supply chain. In Africa, this figure oscillates between 30-50%, with some commodities like fruits and vegetables experiencing even higher losses. This not only signifies a colossal waste of resources but also underscores the missed opportunities in terms of economic gains, job creation, and food security. To put it in perspective, a 2011 World Bank report pegged the value of grain losses in Africa at a staggering US$ 4 billion.
Such postharvest losses exacerbate food insecurity, malnutrition, and economic instability. However, there’s a silver lining. As per World Bank estimates, Africa stands to save an impressive US$ 40 million for every 1% reduction in postharvest loss. This potential saving underscores the immense opportunity that lies in addressing postharvest challenges.
The 4th AAPHCE served as a platform for consensus-building by facilitating discussions on actionable interventions to reduce postharvest losses and enhance intra-African agricultural trade. The event emphasized the importance of sustainable postharvest management but also underscored the role of collaborative efforts in realizing the vision of a food-secure and economically vibrant Africa.
