Post-harvest losses in African maize in the face of increasing food shortage

作者：Tefera Tadele^*

来源：Food Security, 2012, 4(2): 267-277.

DOI：10.1007/s12571-012-0182-3

• Africa
• Food security
• Maize
• Post-harvest insect pests
• Post-harvest losses

Maize is the most important food staple for resource-poor smallholders in Africa, providing food and income to millions. One of the key constraints to improving food and nutritional security in Africa is the poor post-harvest management that leads to between 14 % and 36 % loss of maize grains, thereby aggravating hunger. Post-harvest losses contribute to high food prices by removing part of the supply from the market. Reducing post-harvest losses in maize is an essential component in any strategy to make more food available without increasing the burden on the natural environment. Solving the post-harvest management problems in maize will require cooperation and effective linkage among the following: research, extension, agro-industry, marketing system and favorable policy environment. Biological and socio-economic causes of post-harvest losses in maize in Africa are discussed in relation to climate change and food security, and strategies to reduce the post-harvest losses are suggested.

• 出版日期2012-6