By Mercy Aikoye
Nigeria loses a staggering $10 billion annually to post-harvest waste, a challenge that affects not only farmers but also the nation’s economy. According to Segun Alabi, CEO of Davidorlah Nigeria Limited, an indigenous agritech company, the country can reduce this loss by adopting smart agricultural value-chain initiatives.
Estimates indicate that Nigeria loses between 30% and 50% of its agricultural produce annually to waste. “This translates to billions of dollars lost each year,” Alabi said. The losses undermine farmers’ incomes, reduce food availability, and impede national economic growth.
To address the challenge of agricultural waste, Alabi proposes investment in modern storage and processing facilities. “Cold chains, silos, and local processing units extend the shelf life of perishable products and enable value addition,” he said.
Enhanced transportation infrastructure is also crucial. “Improving rural roads and logistics systems will ensure that produce reaches markets quickly and in good condition,” Alabi added.
Farmer education and training are also essential. “Providing farmers with knowledge on best harvesting practices, post-harvest handling, and waste minimization techniques helps reduce losses at the source,” Alabi said.
Reducing agricultural waste directly boosts Nigeria’s economy. “With less waste, farmers and agribusinesses retain more value from their harvests, contributing to higher GDP and creating a more resilient agricultural sector,” Alabi explained.
Implementing waste reduction strategies opens up numerous employment opportunities. “New jobs arise in logistics, storage facility management, food processing, preservation technology manufacturing, and training services,” Alabi said. Minimizing agricultural waste also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances soil fertility.
The time to act is now. By adopting smart agricultural value-chain initiatives, Nigeria can reduce its post-harvest loss and unlock its economic potential. As Alabi noted, “Implementing waste reduction strategies is not just a necessity, but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.”
