Post-Harvest Management

What does this skill involve?

Activities may include but are not limited to:

Harvesting, cleaning, drying, disinfecting and storing farm produce
Sorting, grading and packaging
Transportation of produce
Preparing storage facilities
Operating post-harvest equipment like dryers and shelling machines
Conducting awareness campaign on post-harvest management
Capacity building of farmers and value chain players on post-harvest practices
Developing infrastructures for post-harvest management

Skill levels

Follows instructions on how to harvest and store produce to prevent spoilage and loss.

Demonstrates basic knowledge on post-harvesting practices and technologies. Adopts new post-harvest technologies and applies them with guidance in unfamiliar situations. Performs routine work on ensuring good handling of the product. Understands the importance of post-harvest storage and the implications of poor storage.

Understands the effects that poor post-harvest management can have on the quality of the produce. Applies good post-harvest management practices without supervision. Can adapt, when required, to emerging unfamiliar situations, to maintain the quality of produce.

Trains others on post-harvest management. Critically assesses complex situations and finds solutions to maintain the quality of produce. Monitors post-harvest handling practices and ensures they are carried out correctly. Identifies where post-harvest practices may be causing problems.

Demonstrates expertise in post-harvest management technologies and practices. Contributes to the development of regulations and standards. Prepares extension materials for post-harvest management practices. Enforces regulations pertaining to post harvest crop management.

Promotes specific and generic practices and knowledge for adoption. Keeps up-to-date with the current research in safe post-harvest management practices. Contributes to the development of new technologies, policies, practices and standards.

Leads on large-scale policies, regulations and strategies to strengthen post-harvest management. Facilitates partnership development and investments that promote post-harvest management. Brings organisations together to ensure the adoption of safe post-harvest practices.