Addressing food losses : status and way forward for postharvest research and innovations in Kenya

Overcoming postharvest (PH) losses has re-emerged as a vital part of the broader undertaking to ensure food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Dominant issues in PH chains of important food commodities in Kenya comprise inefficiencies in handling, food storage and food preservation technologies, as well as local marketing channels burdened with high transaction costs and poor postharvest infrastructure. PH mitigation through methods of technology transfer, training, and reinforcing of simple food handling and preservation practices are suggested, as well as some national policy and legislation actions that could fast track PH loss reductions