Wide spread Replication of Successful Post Harvest Technology in Latin America

SDC has promoted sale and distribution of metal silo to more than 400’000 rural households in Central America from 1983 to 2009. However, coverage is not yet near saturation and post-production technologies and practices are still needed and relevant since post-harvest losses for grains remain high in Latin America (between 10 and 30% of production). It is acknowledged that reducing postharvest losses is a way to ensure food availability but also presents opportunities to sell surplus in better price conditions as well as increase farmers’ incomes. Updated market studies from 2014 show that the demand for post-production technologies and practices is still unsatisfied (240’000 silos required in Honduras and 50’000 in Ecuador). This is an interesting market opportunity especially for agribusiness companies and retailers who traditionally sell inputs.

Rural families (men and women) adopting post-production solutions for food grains have increased their incomes and reduced their food gap.

Small-scale farmers and their families in selected areas of Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

1. Dynamic and sustainable markets of postproduction solutions invigorated
2. Post-production policies and framework conditions improved
3. Knowledge management mechanisms in place

Risultati principali attesi:  

1. Sustainable business models for massive distribution of post-production solutions available (including financial services products and social marketing devices) and systematized
2. Establishment/Strengthening of multi-stakeholder coordination and exchange platforms for knowledge and policy purpose
3. Quality system and norms for grain defined and implemented
4. Research agenda established according to farmers and agribusiness companies’ needs (grain loss estimate and alternative to chemical pesticide)
5. Information and experiences shared in specialized networks.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

• 5 market studies carried out: the studies have confirmed the demand for postharvest technologies (silos and hermetic bags) and mapped the key actors
• Open call launched through thematic websites and selection process realized
• Preparatory phase organized including the support to the implementing agency by a specialized backstopping in business development
• Selection of a private partner and launch of a market test with a new product in Honduras. The business model is adjusted and functional.

Private sector partners in each country (i.e. Del Campo Soluciones in Honduras), NGOs active in food security advocacy, micro-finance institutions

In Latin America: agribusinesses (inputs suppliers, food industry), government programs, universities and research institutions, regional programs and international cooperation (WFP, FAO, others).

Globally: the subgroup postharvest management of the SDC Agriculture and Food Security Network and the Community of Practice on Food Loss Reduction managed by FAO

Fase 1 01.11.2012 - 31.12.2018   (Completed)