Reducing On-Farm Food Losses
In the OIC Member Countries
18
Table 2.2: Global Losses and Waste Estimates by FAO vs COMCEC Analytical Study Findings
Global Losses/Waste Estimates
FAO 2009 Data
COMCEC Analytical Study
Findings (2015)
Food Groups North Africa,
West and
Central Asia
South and
Southeast
Asia
SSA Arab
Group
Asian
Group
African
Group
Cereals 30% 20% 20% 10-30% 10-30% 10-30%
Roots and Tubers 32% 41% 45% 10-30% 10-30% 30-50%
Oilseeds and Pulses 30% 28% 28% 5-10% 5-10% 10-30%
Fruits and Vegetables 52% 52% 55% 30-50% 30-50% 30-50%
Meat and Dairy 23% 20% 20% 10-30% 10-30% 10-30%
Fish and Seafood 30% 33% 32% 5-10% 10-30% 10-30%
Sources: Gustavsson et al., 2011 and Key Informant Surveys.
Direct measurements have not been made for all of the food groups in many of the OIC member
countries, but the following examples from key informants and country-based research studies
provide a reasonable estimation of food losses for key crops in 25 countries. The countries with
the most available data on many different crops and foods include Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and Uganda, all of which have very high populations and high levels of
food production. The information provided in this section of the report is based on field food
loss assessments, and does not include the findings of controlled laboratory experimental
studies or experiments that test field production practices or postharvest handling technologies.
The ranges of food losses as reported for the six commodity groups are very wide, varying from
very low losses to extremely high losses, which reflects the reality as these types of local
assessments and case studies provide a snap-shot of the current conditions, which can vary
widely and change rapidly over time.
2.1.1. Cereals: Rice, Maize, Sorghum, Millet, Wheat
The World Bank published a report on Missing Foods (World Bank, 2011) which was largely
based on the estimates provided by the African Postharvest Losses Information System
(APHLIS). Physical grain losses in Africa prior to processing can range from 10-20%, including
harvesting losses in the range of 4-8% (APHLIS data). In Burkina Faso, losses for rice was
reported by AGRA (2013) as 6-24%. Harvesting rice too early results in a larger percentage of
unfilled or immature grains, which lowers yield and causes higher grain breakage duringmilling.
Harvesting too late leads to excessive losses and increased breakage in rice during threshing and
milling. It was shown in Proceedings of the 20th Session of the International Rice Commission
(2002) that grain losses range from 5.6 to 60% if harvesting is done one week to four weeks
beyond the maturity date. In general, the correct time to harvest is one week before the maturity
date.