No Thumbnail Available

African experience in the improvement of post-harvest techniques

Year of publication 1994

Author FAO - AGSE;Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) The objective of this synthesis is to provide an updated analysis of the evolution of postharvest technologies used for the processing and conservation of grains and tubers by African farmers. These technologies permit to ensure food security to rural families, and avoid losses during harvesting, threshing or damage by pests or inadequate processing methods. Farmers will only increase their production if they are provided with adequate post-harvest techniques. The majority of post-harvest tech niques used in Africa are still based on traditional practices, however, there has been a large effort to improve existing practices. There have been various post-harvest projects executed by several organizations and a large number of projects operated by the Agricultural Engineering Service (AGSE) and the Prevention of Food Losses Programme (PFL) of FAO. This synthesis has been based on a collection of data from FAO projects as well as on contributions of the participants in the Workshop on African Experience in the Improvement of Post-Harvest Technology, organized in Accra in July 1994 by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Agricultural Engineering Service of FAO (AGSE). The Government of France and the Prevention of Food Losses Prograrnme of FAO have provided a financial contribution to the Workshop.

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • No Thumbnail Available
    Book (series)
    Proceedings of the symposium on post-harvest fish technology / Compte rendu du Colloque sur la technologie du poisson après capture 1992
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    A Symposium on Post-Harvest Fish Technology was held on 21 and 22 October 1990 in Cairo, Egypt, in conjunction with the Eighth Session of the Committee for Inland Fisheries of Africa (CIFA). The Symposium reviewed the present state of post-harvest fish technology with special reference to inland fisheries in Africa which are generally traditional, small-scale fisheries. It also reviewed the possibilities and constraints with regard to improving the role of the inland fisheries post-harvest secto r in generating income and in providing food. Review papers are included on the kinds and levels of post-harvest losses, on traditional and modern post-harvest technologies, on the present and potential role of inland fish in income generation and in food consumption. Papers also include country overviews and specific topics such as utilization of certain species, packaging, marketing and credit.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Book (stand-alone)
    Grain storage techniques - Evolution and trends in developing countries 1994
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    The importance of grain storage as part of the marketing, distribution and food security system is well recognized. As early as 1971, the Group for Assistance on Systems relating to Grain After-harvest (GASGA), in which FAO participates, brought together experts and coordinated activities on research and development. In 1978, following the resolution of the UN General Assembly which called for the reduction of post-harvest losses, FAO launched the Special Action Programme for Prevention of Food Losses (PFL). Since then more than 250 projects have been implemented world wide under this programme. During recent years, as a result of privatization and liberalization of trade, the organization and management of grain storage has changed in many developing countries. This restructuring of the grain storage sector has created a demand for information and knowledge from the emerging private entrepreneurs operating in the storage sector. In the previous storage and distribution systems, f unctions such as collection, storage, regulation of supplies, food security and price control, were often entrusted to parastatal marketing boards. Skills have been developed, facilities have been installed and methods taught to their staff, often at high cost. These skills have now to be acquired by the new "actors" of the privatized storage and distribution system. The purpose of the Bulletin is to contribute to the transfer of knowledge on grain storage to persons involved in the storage of g rain. This joint production FAO-GASGA Bulletin is aimed at private and public sector storage operators, extension workers, students and researchers. However, the varied topics covered in the chapters are intended for persons each having different interests in the subject.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Project
    Technical reports - product by product development from Nile Perch (summary table) 1988
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Since dairy meal is becoming increasingly expensive in Kenya and threatens the fish rearing industry, a systematic study was initiated on the possibility of using aquatic plants and Nile perch silage. The water plants, Azolla niloticus, Lemna perpusilla and Pistia striatotis were tested as a fishmeal for Tilapia zillii and riverine fishes. Low growth rates were achieved in the tilapias. The value of the Azolla protein in fish diet is discussed in relation to dietary requirement in cultured fish. This study demonstrates that the water plant Azolla niloticus together with Nile perch silage as a supplement can be used as a complete diet for cultured fish. It is hoped that the project will help provide detailed information on the nutritional value of the water plant Azolla niloticus and its long-term susceptibility to various inclusions as a complete feed, and conduct least cost feed formulations to make recommendations as to the maximum inclusion levels.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.