Kenya, Sweden partner to curb billions lost in post-harvest food waste
Trade and Industry PS Juma Mukhwana said the initiative is designed to create a stronger, more reliable food system by promoting value addition and sustainable processing methods.
Kenya has joined hands with Sweden in a strategic move to cut billions lost every year due to post-harvest food waste.
The collaboration focuses on making better use of harvested crops, increasing farmers’ profits, and opening employment opportunities for young people.
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Principal Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry Juma Mukhwana said the initiative is designed to create a stronger, more reliable food system by promoting value addition and sustainable processing methods.
“We are an agricultural economy with diverse crops, herbs and agro-ecosystems, but utilisation of these products remains low. Right now, we harvest and consume. That means our entire food system depends on the weather. When it rains, we have plenty; when it does not, we face scarcity and high post-harvest losses,” Mukhwana explained.
He added that fruits and vegetables can see up to 50 per cent wastage, while grains, although lower, still face serious losses.
Research from the World Resources Institute Africa shows that Kenya loses between 20 and 36 per cent of maize stored across the country, forcing the nation to import grain even as 15 million people, nearly 28 per cent of the population, struggle with daily food insecurity.
According to Mukhwana, the partnership will reduce waste by introducing modern processing technologies, improving market access, and encouraging value addition for farmers.
“This partnership will not just conserve the environment, it will ensure farmers earn more from their produce. It also opens new and existing markets in East Africa, Europe and beyond,” he said.
Swedish ambassador to Kenya Håkan Åkesson, who also serves as Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, said the collaboration builds on decades of agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
“Sweden and Kenya have worked together for more than 60 years, particularly in agriculture. Now we are deepening our collaboration in the bioeconomy, which is the future,” Åkesson said.
“Working together, we are fighting climate change, increasing food security and creating jobs. Kenya and Sweden both have very entrepreneurial people, and by bringing them together, we can achieve great things, for the climate and for the youth.”
He added that a report by the Stockholm Environment Institute identifies gaps in Kenya’s post-harvest systems and highlights areas where Swedish expertise can drive faster innovation and stronger outcomes.
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