Changes in weather patterns and temperatures worldwide caused by climate change have taken an increasing toll on agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields and increased food loss. Estimates say that the high temperature and humidity, as well as changes in precipitation, have caused food loss of anywhere between 30% - 50% within Africa, which could have been used to feed approximately 1.6 billion people every year. Here we introduce agro-processing, the process of converting raw agricultural products (e.g. crops or milk) into packaged goods. This can play a crucial role in reducing food loss caused by climate change, as processing and preserving these products can elongate the lifespan of food that would otherwise spoil as a result of the consequences of climate change.

By processing unsold crops before they spoil, farmers can extend the shelf life of their products and create value-added goods that can be sold to consumers. This not only helps to reduce food loss, but also provides farmers with an additional source of income. However, significant obstacles hinder the advancement and expansion of agro-processing ventures, such as the unavailability of raw goods, limited access to and inability to maintain agro-processing technologies, diminished viability of current agro-processing businesses, and constrained access to credit.

Local innovation for economic growth

For our next initiative, The Harvest Fund is looking at ways of using agro-processing methods to preserve vegetables, especially tomatoes, to reduce food waste, introduce products to the market that are unavailable and/or in high demand, and create additional sources of revenue that will go towards aid for future partner cooperatives. Agro-processing methods that we are planning to use include canning, where the products are boiled, then stored in a vacuum sealed container to prevent spoilage, drying, using a solar-powered oven or dehydrator, and powderization.

First, identifying the market for these products is important, as we would like to know what locations or demographics of people need these goods. Whereas many people agro-process foods within their own households, these items are often not available in retail locations, or, if they are, are catered towards high-income individuals. This creates a disconnect between these products and lower-income individuals who may not have the time or space to agro-process their own goods, who we can then target the sale of our product to. Next, we start production at The Harvest Fund's farm location, located along Chirundu Road, a key thoroughfare between our headquarters in Kafue District and Zimbabwe and South Africa. By employing local workers who come from nearby villages, we can engage in the local economy and help stimulate economic growth. After an initial testing window of introducing products to the market and analyzing the demand for each product, we can then expand operations and add our new products on the market.

Reducing food loss for climate resilience

Agro-processing has become a critical tool in the fight against food loss caused by climate change. By processing unsold crops, farmers can reduce waste, increase food security, and create economic opportunities for themselves and their communities. As the effects of climate change continue to worsen, we must prioritize agro-processing as a key strategy for building a more sustainable and resilient food system for all.

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