August 15, 2023 | International Journal of Biological Macromolecules |
Conducted by the University of California, this study delves into the uneven distribution of benefits from agricultural innovations, particularly in addressing postharvest losses of horticultural crops. These losses, prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), disproportionately affect small-scale farms that are integral to production. The research highlights innovations in cold chain and dry chain applications tailored for small-scale enterprises and presents case studies elucidating their impact. In LMICs, where small-scale farms play a pivotal role, adopting these technologies could be crucial in reducing postharvest losses and meeting the escalating global demands for food security. The study emphasizes the urgency of concerted efforts, pointing to recent global attention on food loss and waste (FLW) as an opportune moment for allocating more resources to this critical issue. Acknowledging the systemic impacts achieved by major production-side global initiatives, the study calls for a coordinated approach among researchers and stakeholders to effect substantial reductions in postharvest losses in LMICs.
