Post-Harvest Storage Support Program
About the Program
The Environmental Protection and Development Association (EPDA) understands that effective post-harvest management is crucial for reducing food loss and enhancing food security in Cameroon. Our Post-Harvest Storage Support Program focuses on assisting communities in establishing community-run cereal banks and providing loans for transportation and storage. By improving storage facilities and access to financial resources, we aim to empower smallholder farmers to preserve their harvests, minimize waste, and optimize their income.
Why We Are Doing It
Many farmers in Cameroon face challenges related to post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities and poor handling practices. This often results in significant quantities of food being wasted, which could otherwise support local food security and enhance farmers’ livelihoods. EPDA’s program addresses these issues by facilitating the establishment of community-run cereal banks that provide safe and efficient storage solutions. Additionally, we offer financial support through loans, enabling farmers to transport their goods to markets and maintain quality until they can sell their produce.
Benefits to Persons in Cameroon
The Post-Harvest Storage Support Program provides numerous benefits for smallholder farmers and their communities:
Reduced Food Loss: By creating community-run cereal banks, we help minimize post-harvest losses, ensuring that more of the harvest is available for consumption and sale.
Increased Income Stability: Improved storage facilities allow farmers to sell their produce at optimal times, reducing the urgency to sell immediately after harvest and enhancing income stability.
Enhanced Food Security: By preserving harvests, communities can ensure a more reliable food supply throughout the year, contributing to overall food security.
Community Empowerment: Establishing community-run initiatives fosters collaboration among farmers, strengthening community ties and promoting collective action in addressing local challenges.
Objectives for Initiating the Program
Establish Community Cereal Banks: Facilitate the creation of community-run cereal banks to provide safe and reliable storage for harvested crops, reducing post-harvest losses.
Provide Financial Support: Offer loans to farmers for transport and storage costs, enabling them to manage their harvests more effectively and access markets.
Train on Best Practices: Conduct training sessions on proper post-harvest handling and storage techniques, equipping farmers with the knowledge to maintain the quality of their produce.
Promote Cooperative Management: Encourage the formation of cooperatives to manage cereal banks, fostering community ownership and responsibility in food storage and distribution.
Through the Post-Harvest Storage Support Program, EPDA is committed to strengthening the agricultural sector in Cameroon, enhancing food security, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by reducing post-harvest losses and optimizing storage solutions.
