Training for 900 farming families in post-harvest handling and quality control

2 Training for 900 farming families in post-harvest handling and quality control

To reduce high post-harvest losses Welthungerhilfe engaged local partner to train 300 smallholders in drying and storing crops in a safer and cleaner way. As traditionally most crops are dried by simply being spread out on the ground where they are spoiled with dust and can be infested with pests. During the training, simple alternative methods for crop preservation were introduced, including utilization of tarpaulins, smoking for pest control and use of safe local herbs. Other components of the capacity building included maturity indices and timely harvesting, produce threshing and processing, storage facilities, pest and diseases management and utilization of modern kits like hermetic bags.

Training Methodology

Welthungerhilfe advocated for adult based participatory training approach. The partner conducted face to face participatory training sessions to the 300 farmers majority of these being practical. The partner provided training modules/manuals and schedule to Welthungerhilfe field staff for review and approval.

The training was conducted in Local dialect. Conducted at Boma level (Training sites which are convincement to the trainees) and only a maximum of one group (25 trainees) per session. The partner regrouped the trainees into small working groups for possible practical work and assignment. The partners maintained neat daily training records including participants attendance and possible allowances. The partner adhered to Welthungerhilfe “Do no harm principle” throughout the training cycle eg. Adherence to COVID-19 mitigation approaches.