Farmers, Experts Unite at Chuka Expo to Tackle Post-Harvest Losses and Unlock Market Opportunities

Eastern Africa Grain Council Executive Director Gerald Masila engages farmers during an agribusiness expo hosted at Chuka University

Efforts to curb post-harvest losses and improve farmer earnings took centre stage at an agribusiness expo held at Chuka University, bringing together hundreds of farmers, exhibitors and key players in the agricultural sector.

The forum attracted  1,500 farmers and more than 30 exhibitors, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation showcase and market linkages.

The event was a joint initiative involving the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), Chuka University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies and Resource Development, and the county government. It also brought together development partners, agribusiness firms, financial institutions and other stakeholders to address persistent challenges facing farmers.

EAGC Executive Director Gerald Masila said the initiative focused on equipping farmers with practical solutions to boost productivity while reducing losses experienced after harvest.

He said farmers were sensitised on the use of quality farm inputs such as certified seeds and fertilisers, alongside modern farming techniques aimed at increasing yields.

Masila emphasised that addressing post-harvest handling remains critical, noting that poor storage continues to erode farmer profits and threaten food security.

To tackle this, the expo showcased technologies such as hermetic storage bags, which prevent air circulation, thereby controlling pests without the use of chemicals and improving grain safety.

Farmers were also encouraged to adopt simple but effective practices such as the use of tarpaulins during harvesting to avoid contamination from soil, pests and moisture.

Masila further highlighted the importance of strengthening market access, noting that buyers were present to connect farmers with reliable outlets for their produce.

He stressed that meeting food safety and quality standards is essential for farmers to access competitive markets and earn better returns.

Chuka University’s Dean, Jafford Njeru, commended the collaboration between stakeholders, noting that such engagements are key in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

Several organisations, including AGRA and Africa Harvest, participated in the expo, offering farmers insights on climate-smart agriculture and proper grain management.

The event also featured demonstrations on mechanisation, agritech innovations, financial services and post-harvest technologies, positioning it as an important platform for agricultural transformation.

Farmers who attended expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would help improve practices at the grassroots level.

Mercy Karimi noted that she attended the training as a Village Project Assistant (VPA) and said the knowledge gained would help improve post-harvest practices within communities, reduce losses and ultimately increase farmers’ incomes.

However, farmer James Njagi said one of the key challenges is limited follow-up and practical engagement at the farm level after trainings, urging stakeholders to ensure farmers receive hands-on support in the field to improve adoption of modern farming practices and boost productivity.