Supporting smallholder farmers in developing countries to improve postharvest management of staple grains: the role of loss reduction technologies

Smallholder farmers constitute the bulk of staple grain producers in developing countries but there is inadequate support in the postharvest management (PHM) phase of the food supply chain. Several effective PHM technologies have been developed to tackle food grain losses. However, minimum impact has been realised mainly because the technologies have not been widely adopted for various reasons. This chapter analyses PHM practices, available technologies and delivery models, and examines factors causing non- or poor adoption of the technologies in developing countries. Missing parts of the PHM jigsaw puzzle are identified and possible practical solutions offered. The chapter proposes strategies to support smallholders in building sustainable and robust PHM interventions to enhance technology uptake for effective reduction of postharvest loss in quantity and quality. There is no “silver bullet” in addressing the diverse and complex grain postharvest challenges faced by smallholder farmers, and associated service-providers in developing countries.