Why harvest production and yield of nutrition are different in Africa

In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, William Lanier, Founder and CEO of Neveridle Farms and Consulting, shed light on the significant difference between harvest production and the yield of nutrition in Africa. Lanier highlighted the issue of post-harvest loss, pointing out that Africa loses an estimated $4 billion USD every year to grain post-harvest rot. This staggering figure surpasses the total value of sub-Saharan food aid provided over the last decade, emphasizing the magnitude of the problem. The impact of post-harvest loss extends beyond economic implications, affecting health and nutrition outcomes as well. Lanier emphasized the need for innovative solutions to address this pressing issue and shared insights on transforming grain storage practices in Africa. One of the key factors contributing to the disparity between harvest production and the yield of nutrition in Africa is the high rate of post-harvest loss. In many surplus-growing regions, the amount of harvest production aligns closely with the yield of consumable food. However, in Africa, the post-harvest loss can range from 30% to 50%, significantly reducing the amount of grain available for consumption. This discrepancy has significant implications, leading to the need for extensive food imports and hindering investments in agriculture. The root cause of this problem lies in the outdated grain storage practices prevalent in Africa. Lanier emphasized the need for modernizing grain storage facilities, highlighting the inefficiencies of traditional methods such as mud and wood-based structures. These primitive storage solutions contribute to a significant portion of grain loss, as grain stored in such facilities is prone to spoilage. To address this issue, Lanier proposed the adoption of mobile grain storage units, which offer greater flexibility and security for farmers. The introduction of mobile storage solutions presents a promising opportunity for African farmers to minimize post-harvest loss and improve food security. Unlike stationary warehouses, mobile storage units provide growers with the flexibility to transport grain across different locations, ensuring optimal utilization of the harvested crop. By incorporating wheels into traditional grain storage bins, farmers can increase the efficiency of their storage practices and reduce the risk of spoilage. The mobile storage units offer three times the utility of stationary facilities, making them a cost-effective and practical solution for farmers. Following a successful pilot project in northern Ghana, mobile storage solutions have received positive feedback from farmers. However, Lanier noted the challenges associated with implementing these innovative practices on a larger scale. The resistance from existing warehouse networks and the lack of support for mobile storage options pose significant barriers to adoption. Despite the clear benefits of mobile storage solutions, overcoming the political and logistical challenges remains a key obstacle in transforming grain storage practices in Africa. In conclusion, the conversation with William Lanier underscores the critical importance of addressing post-harvest loss and modernizing grain storage in Africa. By embracing innovative solutions such as mobile storage units, farmers can significantly improve food security, reduce economic losses, and enhance nutrition outcomes. The journey towards transforming grain storage practices requires collaboration between governments, private sectors, and NGOs to create an enabling environment for change.