Title: Evaluation of critical infrastructure and operation process of a fresh produce wholesale market in South Africa

Authors: Ikechukwu Kingsley Opara; Umezuruike Linus Opara; Olaniyi Amos Fawole

Addresses: Faculty of AgriSciences, SARChI Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, Africa Institute for Postharvest Technology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa; Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa ' Faculty of AgriSciences, SARChI Postharvest Technology Research Laboratory, Africa Institute for Postharvest Technology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa; UNESCO International Centre for Biotechnology, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria ' South African Research Chairs Initiative in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research, Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre, Department of Botany and Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa; Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre, Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa

Abstract: Globally, the substantial losses and waste of fruits and vegetables continue to pose a significant challenge for stakeholders throughout the food value chain. In South Africa, fruits and vegetables are the second highest contributors to food losses and waste, amounting to 19%, behind cereals at 50%. In this light, postharvest audits are important in pinpointing loss and waste hotspots and understanding the root causes, thereby informing strategic policy development and timely interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the infrastructure and operation process at a fresh produce wholesale market in South Africa. The methodology followed a monitoring and observation approach. The results indicated a break in the cold chain, improper handling, and infrastructure deficit as the causes of postharvest losses and waste. Solutions to reducing postharvest losses at the market were identified. These include the adoption of sustainable handling practices, improved market infrastructure, and expanded access to cold storage facilities.

Keywords: postharvest; losses and waste; fruits; vegetables; wholesale market; infrastructure; cold chain; operation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2024.143190

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2024 Vol.9 No.3, pp.257 - 272

Received: 31 Jan 2024
Accepted: 12 Oct 2024
Published online: 06 Dec 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article