Reduction of post-harvest losses critical to food security

Reducing post-harvest losses is a critical component in improving food security in the face of drought and other effects of climate change, Care Malawi has said.

The organisation’s project manager responsible for post-harvest loss reduction and small-scale irrigation enhancement (Phase) Alex Chimbizi said this recently at the end of a tour of project activities in Chipuza Village in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalonga in Salima.

Chimbizi said huge amounts of the harvest are lost to pests, wasteful use and rotting.

“While we aim to increase crop production for households, we should also recognise the importance of ensuring proper storage and use of our produce in enhancing food security for households,” he said.

He said Care Malawi has since roped in over 1 300 community members in irrigation farming in 30 irrigation sites that the organisation is implementing with support from the district agriculture development office in the district.

He also indicated that 2 100 households have adopted modern mud-smeared granaries following a series of trainings the organisation has been undertaking.

In his remarks, Group Village Head Kalonga asked his subjects to desist from wasteful consumption of the produce to avert hunger during the lean period.

At the same event, Care Malawi distributed bicycles wheelbarrows and other items to volunteers to assist them in their daily work.

Phase project, which is in its third phase, is supported by the General Mills Foundation of the United States of America (USA) and is being implemented in traditional authorities Khombedza and Kalonga in Salima and Mtema in Lilongwe.