Unpacking Postharvest Losses in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Meta-Analysis

TLDR

Postharvest losses threaten food and nutrition security in sub‑Saharan Africa, yet their magnitudes remain poorly understood. The study aims to develop rigorous, systematic assessment methods and holistic mitigation approaches for postharvest losses. The authors performed a meta‑analysis of existing studies to characterize loss magnitude and evaluate mitigation interventions. The analysis shows that current assessment methods are inaccurate, losses are largely economic, and mitigation technologies fail to account for supply‑chain dynamics.

Abstract

Reducing postharvest losses (PHL) is a key pathway to food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, knowledge of PHL magnitudes is limited. A meta-analysis has been conducted to expose nature and magnitude of PHL, and the kinds of interventions that have been attempted to mitigate the losses. Findings reveal inadequacies of loss assessment methodologies that result in inaccurate PHL estimates. Moreover, losses are often economic rather than physical product losses. Overall, technologies for loss mitigation fail to address dynamics of supply chains. Consequently, rigorous PHL assessment using systematic methodologies, as well as holistic approaches for losses mitigation are in need.