Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training in Pretoria, South Africa
Classroom training in Pretoria · next cohort Nov 2, 2026 · from USD 3,200
A large share of grain, fruit and vegetables never reaches a buyer because of mould, pests, bruising and poor storage, erasing income and food that farmers have already paid to produce. The week opens by tracing where losses occur along the chain, from field and harvest to transport, storage and market, and the physical, biological and handling causes behind them. You then conduct a structured loss assessment for a chosen crop using sampling methods, loss estimation and interviews with value chain actors. Practical sessions cover harvest maturity indicators, timing, careful handling, sorting, grading and field hygiene that prevent damage.
Day four compares drying methods, moisture testing, hermetic bags, metal silos, cold chain options, aflatoxin control and packaging suited to different produce. The final day turns findings into a loss reduction plan with costed interventions, expected savings and responsibilities. Extension officers, agronomists, cooperative and aggregation managers, food security programme staff and agribusiness owners handling fresh or dry produce are the intended users. You leave with an assessment tool and a practical plan you can roll out with farmer groups or within your own storage and distribution operation.
At a Glance
Training in Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria is South Africa's administrative capital, home to the Union Buildings, the Reserve Bank and most embassies.
More about training in Pretoria →- Format
- Classroom, in Pretoria
- Duration
- Mon - Fri (5 Days)
- Fee
- USD 3,200
- Next start dates
- Nov 2, 2026, Nov 30, 2026, Dec 28, 2026
- Certificate
- Certificate of Completion
- Airport
- O.R. Tambo International (JNB), connected by the Gautrain
- Time zone
- South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2)
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR). Fees are listed in USD.
- Business districts
- Hatfield, Brooklyn, Menlyn and Centurion
About this course
A significant share of harvested produce in the region never reaches a buyer, lost to poor handling, inadequate storage, pests, and weak transport and market linkages. This five-day course systematically examines the causes of post-harvest loss across major crop categories — grains, fruits, vegetables, and tubers — and equips participants with practical, low-cost techniques to reduce loss at each stage: harvesting, handling, drying, storage, transport, and processing. Case studies highlight interventions that have cut measurable losses in similar farming contexts across the region.
Participants work through a structured loss assessment exercise for a specific crop and value chain, identifying where losses occur and which interventions offer the best return on investment. The course closes with participants developing a post-harvest loss reduction plan they can apply within their own farm, cooperative, or program.
Throughout the programme, participants work through realistic scenarios drawn from public sector institutions, private enterprises, development organizations, and regulated professional environments, examining how causes and minimization of Post-Harvest losses is applied in practice and where it most often breaks down. Delegates will develop practical skill in designing appropriate frameworks, selecting and applying the right tools for drying, storage, and packaging decisions, interpreting findings, and communicating conclusions clearly to colleagues, management and external stakeholders. Sessions move deliberately from principles to application, so that each technique introduced is practised against a realistic problem before the programme moves on — strengthening both individual effectiveness and the wider capability of the organizations delegates return to.
Training Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Develop robust causes and minimization of Post-Harvest losses frameworks that support successful implementation and measurable outcomes.
- Analyze performance using recognized evaluation methods drawn from drying, storage, and packaging decisions.
- Design practical systems that strengthen accountability, transparency and evidence generation.
- Evaluate outcomes and assess longer-term impact across a range of operating contexts.
- Apply relevant tools, frameworks and analytical methodologies confidently and appropriately.
- Integrate understanding where and why crops are lost into existing organizational processes and reporting structures.
- Strengthen decision-making and operational effectiveness through evidence-based professional practice.
What you'll learn
Key Takeaways
By the end of the Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training, participants will leave with:
- A comprehensive working understanding of causes and minimization of Post-Harvest losses principles and performance-measurement methodology.
- Enhanced ability to design practical systems and evaluate outcomes reliably.
- Improved competency in drying, storage, and packaging decisions, reporting structures and analytical interpretation.
- Practical techniques for translating findings into strategic insight and clear recommendations.
- Greater confidence in applying causes and minimization of Post-Harvest losses and assessing measurable results.
- Stronger capability to support organizational learning and continuous performance improvement.
- Improved approaches to strengthening sustainability, accountability and operational effectiveness.
Training Methodology
This training course adopts a practical, participant-centered learning approach that builds causes and minimization of Post-Harvest losses expertise, strengthens analytical capability and develops confident professional judgement. The methodology combines specialist facilitation, applied hands-on experience and globally recognized professional practice, so that delegates return able to apply what they have learned immediately rather than in theory only.
Methodology includes:
- Expert-led sessions facilitated by experienced causes and minimization of Post-Harvest losses practitioners and subject-matter specialists.
- Practical application of the frameworks, tools and techniques used in drying, storage, and packaging decisions.
- Real-world case studies drawn from public sector institutions, private enterprises, development organizations, and regulated professional environments.
- Tool-based demonstrations of the systems, templates and reporting applications used in current practice.
- Interactive discussion and scenario-based learning focused on realistic challenges and decision points.
- Structured group exercises with facilitator feedback, reinforcing learning through practice rather than lecture alone.
Day 1: Understanding Where and Why Crops Are Lost
- The post-harvest chain from field maturity to market: stages, actors, and loss points
- Physical causes of loss: mechanical injury, bruising, compression, and transport damage
- Biological causes: respiration, moisture loss, ripening, sprouting, insect pests, rodents, moulds, and mycotoxins
- Handling and management causes: poor timing of harvest, rough handling, exposure to sun and rain, delayed delivery
- Distinguishing quantity loss, quality loss, and nutritional loss and why each matters to price
- Crop group comparison: grains and pulses versus fruits, vegetables, and roots and tubers
- Roles, responsibilities and stakeholder coordination in understanding where and why crops are lost
Day 2: Conducting a Structured Post-Harvest Loss Assessment
- Defining the assessment boundary: crop, season, chain segment, and units of measurement
- Sampling produce lots and recording weight, moisture content, and damage counts
- Practical measurement tools: moisture meters, sieves, grading trays, insect damage scoring
- Load tracking and loss-point mapping along a specific supply chain
- Interview and observation methods with farmers, traders, and transporters
- Converting loss data into financial terms to prioritise intervention points
- Core principles and terminology underpinning conducting a structured post-harvest loss assessment
Day 3: Harvesting and Handling Techniques That Prevent Damage
- Determining maturity indices and correct harvest timing for target crops
- Harvesting tools, cutting practice, and field sanitation to limit contamination
- Field heat removal, shading, curing, and pre-cooling of perishables
- Sorting, trimming, cleaning, and grading at the farm and collection point
- Careful handling protocols: container choice, stacking height, loading and offloading
- Transport practice: road conditions, ventilation, journey time, and consignment protection
- Data, evidence and information requirements for harvesting and handling techniques that prevent damage
Day 4: Drying, Storage, and Packaging Decisions
- Safe moisture targets for grains and pulses and the drying methods that achieve them
- Sun drying, raised platforms, tarpaulins, solar dryers, and mechanical drying options
- Store hygiene, aeration, temperature and humidity control, and pest exclusion
- Hermetic bags, metal silos, improved granaries, and evaporative cooling for perishables
- Evaluating low-cost storage technologies against smallholder cost, scale, and skill constraints
- Packaging materials and labelling for grains, horticultural produce, and dried products
- Measuring performance and assuring quality in drying, storage, and packaging decisions
Day 5: Designing and Costing a Loss Reduction Plan
- Value addition and simple processing as a route to absorbing surplus and reducing waste
- Aggregation, collection centre layout, and cooperative-level handling standards
- Selecting interventions by cost, expected loss avoided, and payback period
- Drafting a post-harvest loss reduction plan for a named farm or cooperative
- Monitoring indicators, record keeping, and staff training for sustained results
- Plan presentations, peer review, and action commitments
- Practical exercise and facilitated review
Post-harvest losses cut farmer income long after the crop leaves the field. This training on the causes and minimization of Post-Harvest losses serves those who handle, store, aggregate, or advise on produce between harvest and market:
- Agricultural extension officers and field advisors working with smallholder producers
- Cooperative managers and produce aggregation centre supervisors
- Warehouse and grain store operators responsible for drying and storage conditions
- Agronomists and crop production officers in commercial farming enterprises
- Food security and agriculture programme officers in NGOs and county governments
- Horticultural pack-house and cold chain supervisors
- Agribusiness entrepreneurs sourcing grains, fruits, or vegetables for resale or processing
Participants who complete the full five days receive a Certificate of Completion from Vision Reach Global Consultancy, confirming their ability to assess post-harvest losses in a specific crop and apply suitable harvesting, drying, storage, and packaging measures to reduce them.
Choose Where You Want to Learn
Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training Venues
South AfricaPretoriaNext Nov 2· 13 dates$3,200Viewing- South AfricaCape TownNext Oct 26· 13 dates$3,800
- South AfricaJohannesburgNext Nov 2· 13 dates$3,400
KenyaMombasaNext Oct 26· 13 dates$1,600- KenyaNaivashaNext Nov 2· 13 dates$1,500
- KenyaNairobiNext Nov 9· 13 dates$1,500
- KenyaKisumuNext Oct 26· 13 dates$1,500
- KenyaMachakosNext Nov 2· 13 dates$1,600
UgandaKampalaNext Nov 2· 13 dates$1,900
RwandaKigaliNext Oct 26· 13 dates$1,900
TanzaniaZanzibarNext Nov 16· 13 dates$2,600
UAEDubaiNext Oct 26· 13 dates$3,800- TanzaniaDodomaNext Oct 26· 13 dates$1,800
- TanzaniaDar es SalaamNext Oct 26· 13 dates$2,000
- TanzaniaArushaNext Nov 9· 13 dates$1,900
NigeriaAbujaNext Nov 9· 13 dates$2,800- NigeriaLagosNext Nov 16· 13 dates$2,800
GhanaAccraNext Nov 16· 13 dates$4,500
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Frequently Asked Questions About Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training in Pretoria
Everything you need to know about this course before you register.
Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training runs as classroom training in Pretoria, South Africa, in Monday-to-Friday cohorts that start every four weeks. The venue, daily timings and joining details are sent in your Joining Instructions email ahead of the start date.
The next Pretoria cohort starts on November 2, 2026, and a new intake follows every four weeks. Pick a date under "Upcoming sessions in Pretoria" above and click Register; your seat is confirmed once payment or a signed purchase order is received.
The classroom fee for Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training in Pretoria is USD 3,200 per delegate, covering tuition and course materials. Register 3 or more delegates together and a 5% team discount is applied automatically.
Yes. Besides Pretoria, Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training runs as classroom training in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It also runs as live online training you can join from anywhere in South Africa, and in-house at your organisation's own premises.
Yes — Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training can be delivered at your offices in Pretoria or at a venue you choose, on dates that suit your team, with case studies tailored to your sector. Message our training advisors to request a proposal.
By the end of the Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training programme, you'll be able to identify the physical, biological, and handling causes of post-harvest losses, conduct a structured post-harvest loss assessment for a specific crop, apply appropriate harvesting and handling techniques to minimize damage, and select and use suitable drying, storage, and packaging methods. The full breakdown of topics is covered session by session in the Course Outline tab above.
Post-harvest losses cut farmer income long after the crop leaves the field. This training on the causes and minimization of Post-Harvest losses serves those who handle, store, aggregate, or advise on produce between harvest and market: Agricultural extension officers and field advisors working with smallholder producers, Cooperative managers and produce aggregation centre supervisors, Warehouse and grain store operators responsible for drying and storage conditions, Agronomists and crop production officers in commercial farming enterprises, Food security and agriculture programme officers in NGOs and county governments, Horticultural pack-house and cold chain supervisors, and Agribusiness entrepreneurs sourcing grains, fruits, or vegetables for resale or processing.
Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training typically runs as 5 Days. It's available as in-person classroom training — every course can also be delivered on-site for your team on dates that suit you.
Yes — delegates who meet the attendance requirement receive a Certificate of Completion for Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training from Vision Reach Global Consultancy, issued in the name you register with, so double-check the spelling at checkout.
Causes and Minimization of Post-Harvest Losses Training is pitched at foundation to intermediate professionals. If you're unsure whether it's the right fit for your current role or background, message our training advisors before you register and they'll help you confirm.
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What Our Clients Say
VRG brings strategic discipline to complex organizational challenges. Their approach is structured, data-driven, and outcome-focused.
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Managing Director
They facilitated our strategy review, we improved departmental KPI alignment by 35% and reduced operational bottlenecks significantly.
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Strategy Lead
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