In agriculture, success is not determined solely at planting or harvest—it also depends on what happens afterward. Unfortunately, for many farmers in South Sudan, significant portions of their hard-earned crops are lost after harvest due to poor handling, inadequate storage, and lack of access to proper post-harvest materials. KEDEV AGRI Solutions has recognized this gap and is taking deliberate steps to address it, helping farmers safeguard their yields and maximize the value of their labor.
The Hidden Challenge of Post-Harvest Losses
While much attention is often given to production challenges in the field, research and experience show that the majority of crop losses occur at the post-harvest stage. For rural farmers, this means watching a season's worth of effort vanish due to spoilage, pest infestation, or improper storage.
The Impact of Post-Harvest Losses
These losses are more than wasted food; they represent lost income, reduced household nutrition, and diminished motivation for farmers who already work under challenging conditions. In some cases, poor post-harvest handling has also limited farmers' ability to access markets, as buyers demand consistent quality and safe storage.
Bridging the Gap With Knowledge and Materials
KEDEV AGRI Solutions has stepped in to address this challenge on two fronts: by making affordable storage materials available and by equipping farmers with practical knowledge on post-harvest handling.
One of the most effective solutions has been the introduction of hermetic storage bags, which provide airtight protection against pests and moisture. These bags significantly reduce spoilage, extend the shelf life of grains, and preserve both quality and nutritional value. For farmers who previously relied on traditional sacks or makeshift storage, hermetic bags represent a low-cost but transformative upgrade.
Farmers experienced 30-40% post-harvest losses due to pests, moisture, and improper storage methods.
Farmers using hermetic bags and proper techniques reduced losses to less than 10%.
Training Farmers in Good Post-Harvest Practices
Supplying materials alone is not enough. KEDEV complements the distribution of storage products with continuous education on best practices in post-harvest handling and management. Through field demonstrations, community workshops, and one-on-one coaching, farmers learn how to:
Post-Harvest Best Practices
- Dry crops properly before storage
- Maintain cleanliness in storage facilities
- Monitor for pests and mold
- Package and transport produce to reduce damage
These practical skills not only protect harvests but also increase farmers' bargaining power in the market, since better-handled produce commands higher prices.
Transforming Farmers' Livelihoods
The impact of improved post-harvest management is clear. Farmers who adopt these practices experience reduced losses, higher food availability at the household level, and improved income from surplus sales. By protecting their harvests, they also gain stability and confidence to reinvest in farming, purchase better inputs, and plan for future seasons.
Real Impact on Communities
For rural communities in Yei and other parts of South Sudan, this is more than technical improvement—it is a pathway toward transforming livelihoods and breaking cycles of poverty and food insecurity.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Post-Harvest Solutions
KEDEV AGRI Solutions views post-harvest management as a cornerstone of agricultural transformation. The company is committed to scaling access to quality storage materials, expanding farmer training, and raising awareness about the critical role of post-harvest practices in achieving food security.
By addressing losses at the final stage of production, KEDEV is helping farmers capture the full value of their labor and strengthen resilience in the face of persistent challenges. In the long run, widespread adoption of proper post-harvest management will not only reduce waste but also unlock new opportunities for farmers to thrive in local and regional markets.
Learn more about KEDEV's post-harvest solutions and how we're helping farmers protect their harvests and increase their incomes.
Visit our Products page to explore our storage solutions and training programs.
