A scoping review of interventions for crop postharvest loss reduction in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

Reducing postharvest losses (PHLs) of food crops is critical for sustainably increasing agricultural productivity. This study systematically reviewed PHL reduction interventions for 22 crops across 57 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (1970s-2019). Of 12,907 studies identified, 334 met inclusion criteria, forming an online open-access database. Storage technology interventions targeting farmers dominated (83% of studies), with maize being the most studied crop (25%) and India having the most studies (32%). The analysis reveals a critical need for systematic assessment of interventions across the entire value chain, targeting stakeholders beyond farmers, and for more research connecting PHL reductions to social, economic, and environmental outcomes related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Tanya Stathers, Deirdre Holcroft, Lisa Kitinoja, Brighton M. Mvumi, Alicia English, Oluwatoba Omotilewa, Megan Kocher, Jessica Ault, Maximo Torero