Measures to Reduce Post-harvest Losses Along the Dairy Value Chain

[Kev]

Post-harvest loss refers to the degradation of both quality and quantity of a food product from the time it is harvested until the time it is consumed. The value of these losses in the milk value chain has been estimated to be anywhere between 1.3% and 6.4%, translating to a loss in monetary value equivalent of US$ 9.9 - 23.9 million annually. FAO estimates total food losses in Sub-Saharan Africa to be worth US$ 4 billion every year (report attached). This amount of money can comfortably feed 48 million people.

Here are some of the actions that can be taken:

1. Launch regular training for stakeholders on standard milk safety and quality tests and certification procedures.
2. Launch regular mandatory training on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for small- and large-scale processors, milk collection and transportation providers.
3. Popularise the application of code of hygienic practice in milk production, handling, and distribution, industry regulatory services, milk and milk products standards.
4. Enforce the dairy industry regulations and standards.
5. Regularly report in the Kenya Dairy Bulletin (or equivalent bureau for your country) evaluation reports on the rate of compliance to standards and regulations by the industry stakeholders’ classification.
6. Enforce mandatory record keeping of the quality of milk received, materials used, new product development activities
   and all inspection reports in milk processing plants.
7. Promote and encourage processors to attain ISO certification.
8. Engage private and public institutions with laboratories to carry out quality control tests on milk.
9. Implement payment based on quality and wholesomeness of milk as incentive to produce safe and pure milk.