As part of the implementation of the MOU between UoE and Core Health and Wealth International, the Outreach Centre carried out a farmers training on ‘Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition of Leafy Vegetables’ on 11th June, 2025 at Kiibisi Gardens, Mbakalo Ward in Bungoma County. The session was organized by Mr. Cleophas Chesoli, the Director (CH&WI), Ms. Ann Njoki and Mr. Cosmas Mutai of the Outreach Centre. The trainers were Dr. Emmanuel Ayua and Dr. Heka Kamau from the Department of Family & Consumer Sciences, School of Agriculture and had a total of sixty-seven (67) farmers attending.
The training emphasized on critical importance of postharvest handling and value addition in maintaining vegetable quality and reducing losses (9–50% of production). Key stages in the postharvest chain highlighted included harvesting, packhouse operations (cleaning, sorting, packaging), transport, and market handling. Factors affecting quality such as respiration, transpiration, ethylene production, mechanical damage, and microbial contamination were also covered. Proper techniques such as cold storage, modified atmosphere packaging, and ethylene inhibitors were emphasized to mitigate these issues. Farmers were informed that harvesting should occur at optimal times (cooler parts of the day) using smooth-surfaced containers to minimize damage. Packhouse operations focus on sorting, grading, and sanitizing to ensure food safety and market appeal. Cooling methods like ice cooling, Coolbot cold storage, and evaporative cooling are vital for prolonging shelf life.
Further, they were informed that value addition through processing (drying, sauce production, fermentation) enhances stability, nutrition, and marketability. Solar drying is cost-effective but requires careful handling to avoid contamination. Fermentation improves digestibility and extends shelf life when combined with good manufacturing practices. Overall, effective postharvest management and value addition are essential for reducing losses, ensuring quality, and increasing economic returns.
