THE HUMAN COST OF POST-HARVEST LOSSES
IN ZAMBIA
By Raphael Banda
The 2024/2025 farming season, brought a lot of
jubilations to farmers and the general citizenly across Zambia due to the bumper
harvest the country recorded.
This bumper harvest recorded which is described by
many as ‘ a blessing and restoration of food security’ comes barely few months
after the country suffered the toughest drought in living memory.
The farmers’ and people’s fixed smiles, were also
witnessed during the 2025 (97) Agriculture and Commercial Show which took place
on the 4th of August in Lusaka, Zambia.
In as much as we appreciate farmers (writer inclusive),
we need to reflect on how we handle and fight post-harvest loss at the individual
and national levels.
Thousands of farmers across the country of the
atleast 2.5 million registered are experiencing devastating reality (post-harvest
losses) that eat our food security and income. A good portion of hard-earned
crop is lost before it can be consumed or sold.
Post-harvest losses are like watching the sweat evaporate
and condense to weevils and moisture at the expense of maximizing benefits.
In
a country like ours where, 70% of the population depends on agriculture for
food and income, this technical problem has to be dealt with. This calls for
drastic action since an estimated 30%-50% of the crops harvested every year are
lost due to poor post-harvest handling,storage,pest infestation and storage.
Over
the years, experts have placed emphasis that causes of post-harvest losses are:
Poor storage facilities such as open sacks or traditional granaries that offer little
protection to the hard-earned crops. Among other factors is lack of knowledge on drying and pest
control methods.
And
overreliance on harmful pesticides,
which are often used incorrectly and can harm both people and the environment.
To
avert this problem, there are numerous solutions like the distribution of affordable metal silos,
which provide airtight storage that keeps pests and moisture out. These silos,
which come in sizes suited for small farms, are increasingly being piloted in
rural areas by both government and NGOs.
Experts
are calling for the scaling up of metal
silo programs, making them more widely available and affordable through subsidies or community loan schemes.
Another
promising innovation is the use of
eco-friendly pest control solutions, such as botanical pesticides made
from neem, chili, and local herbs. These alternatives are not only safer for
the environment but also cheaper and less harmful to humans.
Post-harvest
losses may not make headlines, but their impact is deeply felt in every home
where food spoils before it can be consumed or sold.
About the author.
1. Media Development and climate change expert
with over 15 years’ experience.
2. Radio and Journalism Trainer.
3. Content creator, farmer, Interpreter and Researcher.
4. Get in touch; bandaraphael55@gmail.com.
WhatsApp +260979208286
Interesting write up. It is such a sad reality. In the face of food insecurity so much is lost due to poor road network, lack of storage facilities. There is no doubt that much needs to be done by all relevant stakeholders to ensure that loses are controlled.
ReplyDeleteInteresting write-up
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