Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Explain the fundamental concepts and importance of post-harvest technology in agriculture.
- Describe physiological processes affecting plants after harvest and their impact on quality.
- Demonstrate knowledge of harvesting techniques and proper post-harvest handling and storage methods.
- Identify causes of post-harvest losses and apply effective management and food safety practices.
- Evaluate value addition, marketing strategies, and sustainable practices in post-harvest operations.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 2317: Post-Harvest Technology
1. Introduction to Post-Harvest Technology
- Definition and scope of post-harvest technology
- Importance in preserving quality and value of agricultural produce
- Overview of post-harvest losses: magnitude and impact
- Factors affecting post-harvest losses (environmental, biological, mechanical)
2. Post-Harvest Physiology of Plants
- Physiological changes after harvest
- Respiration: types and effects on shelf life
- Transpiration and water loss
- Ripening processes and associated biochemical changes
- Senescence and deterioration mechanisms
- Impact of physiological changes on product quality and shelf life
3. Harvesting Techniques and Practices
- Harvest timing and maturity indices for various crops
- Tools and equipment used in harvesting
- Methods of harvesting for different crop types (fruits, vegetables, grains)
- Best practices to minimize mechanical damage and quality loss during harvesting
4. Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
- Handling practices: sorting, grading, cleaning, and packaging
- Storage principles and objectives
- Temperature control: refrigeration, cold storage, controlled atmosphere
- Humidity management and its importance
- Types of storage facilities and their suitability for different produce
5. Post-Harvest Losses and Management
- Classification of post-harvest losses: physical, physiological, pathological
- Causes and examples of each loss type
- Strategies to minimize losses
- Proper handling and packaging
- Pest and disease management during storage
- Transportation considerations
6. Food Safety and Quality Assurance
- Contamination risks in post-harvest operations
- Microbial contamination
- Pesticide residues
- Mycotoxins and their impact
- Standards and regulations for food safety
- Quality assurance measures and good agricultural/post-harvest practices
7. Value Addition and Processing
- Importance of value addition in extending shelf life and marketability
- Common value-added processes:
- Drying and dehydration
- Milling and grinding
- Canning and bottling
- Freezing and cold preservation
- Impact of processing on nutritional and sensory qualities
8. Marketing and Market Access
- Role of post-harvest technology in market access and competitiveness
- Market requirements and quality standards
- Regulatory frameworks and certification processes
- Strategies for effective marketing and reaching target markets
9. Sustainable Post-Harvest Practices
- Environmental impact of post-harvest operations
- Energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies
- Waste reduction and management
- Socio-economic benefits of sustainable practices
- Case studies and examples of sustainable post-harvest systems
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Post-Harvest Technology.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan
Learning Outcomes
Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.
Assessment Methods
Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.