Find solutions to post-harvest losses, graduates in food systems told

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University graduate leaders in the management of food systems have been asked to focus on the management of post-harvest losses in Agriculture.

The call was made by AGRA president Dr Agnes Kalibata, at the passing out of 78 graduates in food systems from the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) program hosted by AGRA in Ethiopia.

The center is an AGRA-led initiative, co-implemented by the African Management Institute (AMI) and policy link aimed at equipping new and emerging leaders with hands-on skills in the management of the food systems chain.

She emphasized the need for innovative solutions and strategic interventions to minimize post-harvest losses, a challenge that continues to impede the agricultural sector's growth and resilience across the African continent.

“Fifty percent of CALA graduates are looking to solve post-harvest losses. If we save the food we lose on the farm, we won’t be saying that Africa has 300 million hungry people. If we aim to solve post-harvest losses by 40%, we will be saving a lot on the production side and shift the narrative,” Kalibata, said.

New leader speaks out

The 78 leaders who were drawn from the public, private sector and civil society were awarded certificates, marking their status as leaders in Africa’s Food Security and Sustainability after completing the 16-month collaborative, hands-on, and tailored experience for senior and rising leaders in Africa’s agriculture sector.

Selected from over 1,000 applicants, the 76 individuals represent the continent’s most dynamic leaders in agriculture, with 45% of the leaders drawn from government agencies across the 8 countries, 26% from the private sector, and 29% from civil society.

“As leaders in your respective organizations and fields, you have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in aligning your country’s national priorities to the regional priorities to ensure that the transformation of food systems is grounded in the realities of local communities,” Prof. Jean Jacques Muhinda, the AGRA Regional Head for East and Southern Africa added.

The graduating delegates now join the inaugural cohort of 80 delegates in the prestigious CALA alumni community, continuing their learning and collaboration.