Training post-harvest management in Ethiopia

In May, our colleagues Fabienne Hins and Niels Schoorlemmer travelled to Ethiopia to give a 3-day training to the teachers and instructors of Agarfa ATVET College, as part of a Nuffic project: “Optimized horticulture production by capacity building in the field of irrigation, post-harvest management, marketing techniques and value addition in Ethiopia”.

The purpose of this training was to educate the new generation on the importance of good postharvest management practices to help increase fruit and vegetable availability in Ethiopia.

Throughout the training, topics such as food quality, the factors of food degradation, the influence of value chain management and GLOBALG.A.P. were covered. Additionally, both low-end and high-tech practical examples were discussed for transport, (cold)storage, and harvesting/processing methods to preserve food quality. It was inspiring to witness the participants’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and apply these concepts in their professional roles. We utilized practical examples and case studies to illustrate the impact of post-harvest practices on food quality. For example, as a group assignment the participants were challenged to assess the quality and degradation of some locally sourced tomatoes, using tools provided by Q-point. As a result the participants had a better idea of food quality degradation and the impact of damages and diseases. But more importantly: how to cope with these issues.

Thank you very much Chala Fereya and Agarfa ATVET College for the amazing hospitality and facilitation of the training. Looking forward to future collaborations!