Reducing On-Farm Food Losses
In the OIC Member Countries
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networking groups and membership in professional organizations. Important networks already
exist in Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan.
It is highly recommended that the OIC Member Countries focus attention on providing farmers
with information and demonstrations of the basic practices that protect foods from on-farm
losses. Recommended practices include integrated pest management, sanitation and hygiene,
use of maturity indices, gentle harvesting and handling, proper curing of roots and tubers or
drying of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, use of protective containers and providing shade or
cooling during delays after harvesting. These production guidelines could be edited for major
crops and distributed to the OIC member countries.
There are a few examples of collaborative efforts that should be considered:
1. A series of workshops for farmers on reducing on-farm losses for the various food
groups.
The OIC Member Countries can sponsor an in-house workshop series on different food groups
and/or a workshop series held in different regions over time on the topic of reducing on-farm
food losses. The individuals sponsored for international conferences and workshop would be a
good source of instructors and resource persons, technical experts and trainers for such a
programme. During 2-3 days of classroom instruction and field visits, participants could be
exposed to the causes of on-farm losses and many potential solutions. Ideally each member
country would be able to design and provide their own version of the workshop series, focusing
on their key crops and foods.
2. An e-learning programme designed for participants in the OIC member countries
and key foods and crops.
International NGOs such as WFLO, PEF and ADMI have designed and successfully provided
several e-learning programs on food loss assessment, reduction of food losses, and the costs and
benefits of making changes in harvesting and handling practices, with graduates in African,
Asian and Arab countries. The OIC Member Countries could sponsor a customized e-learning
program of 6-10 months in duration including training materials, online mentoring, a tool kit
and 3 days of closing workshops held in each region, focused specifically on identifying and
reducing on-farm food losses for foods and crops produced in member countries. NRI, WUR,
ADMI, Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) or WFLO experts can provide this type of service.
Recommendation 5: The OIC Member Countries should address gaps in the technical and
managerial capacity of national extension workers, farmers, fishers, ranchers and food supply
chain workers.