Reducing food loss in green leafy rape rural-to-urban supply chain in Zambia

Green leafy rape (Brassica napus L) is a key vegetable in Zambia, vital for nutrition, food security, and livelihoods. However, its rural-to-urban supply chain suffers from significant quality and physical losses, undermining economic returns and food availability. 

Key Findings 

A study conducted in HealthyFoodAfrica examined food loss in the Chongwe-to-Lusaka supply chain, focusing on four stages: harvesting, on-farm storage, transportation, and trading. Data from farmers, transporters, and traders revealed (see Figure 1): 

  • A 6.4% mean physical loss during harvesting, with 76% of farmers affected. 
  • Minor losses during on-farm storage and transportation (1.1% and 0.97% physical losses, respectively). 
  • Significant quality losses (27.8% on average) during trading, with 91.5% of traders reporting reduced visual or sensory quality. 
  • A high discard rate (16.1%) during trading due to poor quality, impacting economic returns and food availability. 
  • Critical loss points (CLPs) were identified at the harvesting and trading stages. Interventions targeting these stages can reduce losses significantly. 
Bar chart comparing quality loss (%) and physical loss (%) of green leafy rape across different stages of the Chogwe-to-Lusaka supply chain. Quality losses are highest at the 'Trading stage – overall' (27.8%) and 'Total supply chain' (31.7%), while physical losses peak at the 'Total supply chain' stage (23.94%) and 'Harvesting & postharvest handling' (6.4%). Losses at other stages—such as on-farm storage, transportation, and trading—are comparatively low, generally under 3%.
Figure 1: Quality and physical losses of green leafy rape in the Chogwe-to-Lusaka supply chain. Quality loss means the portion of green leafy rape that has lost its sensory (visual) or nutritional quality, making it saleable only at a reduced price despite still being consumable. Physical loss means the portion of green leafy rape discarded because it is no longer fit for human consumption or has experienced a reduction in weight or mass.

Benefits and Impact 

Adopting loss-reduction measures can deliver several benefits: 

Economic gains: Reduced losses improve profitability for farmers and traders. 

Improved food security: Lower waste increases availability for consumers. 

Supply chain sustainability: Efficient practices reduce food waste and its environmental impacts. 

Practical Recommendations 

To minimize losses, stakeholders should consider the following: 

Harvesting improvements: Train farmers in better handling and harvesting techniques. 

Enhanced storage and transport practices: Invest in infrastructure and packaging to minimize damage during storage and transport. 

Trader awareness: Educate market traders on loss-reduction strategies, including better storage and display practices. 

Policy and support programs: Engage government and stakeholders to implement targeted interventions at critical loss points. 

Contact information: 

John Shindano, Twambo Hachibamba, Lukonde Mwelwa-Zgambo, Chiza Kumwenda, Mercy M. Mwale, Vincent Nyau and Aubrey Sadoki