Battling Post Harvest Losses in a Changing Climate

A chilly wind is blowing across Siaya County, and farmers are busy harvesting their produce. But for many, the biggest challenge comes after harvesting on how to store what they have worked so hard to grow.

We spoke to Judith Atieno Oluoch from Msando Ligega in Ombwede Village. She grows maize, beans, millet, and cassava. Judith says beans are usually harvested when it’s still raining, making it hard to dry them. Farmers keep moving them in and out of the house to avoid rain. And now, as farmers harvest maize and millet, the cold weather and morning mist are causing some grains to rot.

Judith’s experience is the same story for many farmers across Ugunja, Ugenya, Gem, and surrounding areas.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Kenya loses about 30 percent of harvested food through post-harvest losses, food that could feed millions.

Ugunja Sub-County Agriculture Officer, Maurice Akeno, explains where farmers go wrong. He says harvesting while leaving stalks standing can lead to maize being forgotten in the field. Farmers must also watch threshing machines, because some grains remain on the cob.

During drying, grains that fall on the grass or pavement get lost. And contrary to belief, weevils start attacking crops right from the farm not just during storage.
The Kenya Meteorological Department’s August outlook shows little rain for Siaya County, as we slowly move out of the cold season.

So what can farmers do to protect their harvest?

Mr. Akeno advises farmers to cut maize from the lower stem, pile it in one place, and remove the cobs one by one to avoid leaving any behind. When drying, use proper surfaces and not grass or bare compounds and pick any grains that spill.

After drying well, farmers should store their produce in hermetic bags, which do not allow oxygen in. This prevents weevils and other pests from attacking the grains.

Akeno adds that reducing post-harvest losses by just 10 percent could feed many people without planting again.

Judith encourages farmers to pay attention to weather updates. When it rains, bring the produce inside. When the sun comes out, take it out to dry, and make good use of the little sunshine available.

Mr. Akeno warns that storing grains before they’re fully dry can lead to mould and aflatoxin, which is dangerous to human health.

As August continues, remember harvesting is only half the job. The other half is protecting the harvest.

Farmers, communities, and leaders must work together to reduce losses and secure our food.

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