Agroecological post-harvest management of cereals and legumes in Burkina Faso

Lead Organization:

Institut de Recherches en Sciences Appliquées et Technologies (IRSAT)

Partner Organizations:

Institut de l'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA); Minim Som Panga Association: New farmers' associations and women's associations in the Centre South and South West regions, including associations of livestock farmers, distributors, and other stakeholders; Networking for Seed Project and Bambara Nut Project: Contributing to the availability of resistant varieties; Processing Project and Child Nutrition Project: Working through rural incubation centers; Agriculture officials in rural areas will support the project, focusing on policy development and the improvement of post-harvest management infrastructure.

Community of Practice:

West Africa

Countries:

Burkina Faso

Duration:

11/2024—11/2027

Overview:

Post-harvest losses are a significant issue for food security in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated $4 billion lost annually in post-harvest cereal production (World Bank, 2011). In Burkina Faso, losses have been significant, particularly in maize and sorghum. These losses directly impact food and nutritional security. Despite efforts like the introduction of PICS bags and resistant seed varieties, challenges remain, especially in the face of climate change. The project focuses on introducing novel agroecological practices for better post-harvest management, enhancing food quality, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring a healthier population.

Grant Aims:

  • Reduce post-harvest losses and improve food and nutritional security through agroecological practices in Burkina Faso.
  • Enhance the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems by improving post-harvest management of cereals and legumes.
  • Increase the availability of healthy, high-quality food products on markets and at the household level.
  • Improve the coordination and knowledge sharing among stakeholders involved in post-harvest management.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Outputs

  1. Identification of social, cultural, agro-climatic, and state factors influencing post-harvest management.
  2. Identification of critical points in post-harvest management of cereals and pulses.
  3. Knowledge on different types of losses during post-harvest management.
  4. Identification of resistant varieties for post-harvest management.
  5. Familiarization of farmers with best practices for threshing, drying, field transport, and storage to reduce losses.
  6. Introduction of technologies that use renewable energy and reduce post-harvest losses.
  7. Infrastructure and storage equipment that protects consumer health and reduces losses.
  8. Creation of a framework for sharing knowledge and experiences among stakeholders.
  9. Improvement of the post-harvest system in rural areas.

Outcomes

  1. Preservation of the environment through sustainable farming and harvesting practices, reducing pesticide and chemical preservatives usage.
  2. Compliance with quality standards to enhance market access for agricultural products.
  3. Improved nutritional status and health of the population through the consumption of healthy agricultural products.
  4. Establishment of a circular economy around post-harvest management.
  5. Strengthened cohesion and collaboration among farmers, breeders, livestock farmers, distributors, and processors.
  6. Enhanced resilience and market access for agricultural products through healthy post-harvest practices.
  7. Creation of a “One Health” vision for integrated health, environmental, and agricultural systems.
  8. Healthier food products available in markets and households.