Overview In Bal’ad District, Middle Shabelle, the Qarni Agro-Logistic & Supply Services Company conducted an assessment aimed at ensuring the quality of crops during the harvesting period. This initiative is crucial for enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of local farmers. The assessment identified several recurrent challenges that Somali farmers face, which significantly impact crop quality and post-harvest management. Objectives of the Assessment

1. Quality Assurance: To evaluate the quality of crops harvested and identify potential issues affecting their marketability.
2. Identify Challenges: To understand the recurrent problems faced by farmers that hinder effective post-harvest management.
3. Provide Recommendations: To suggest actionable strategies for improving crop quality and reducing losses.

Key Findings

1. Inadequate Post-Harvest Handling

• Lack of Training: Many farmers lack knowledge of proper handling techniques, leading to damage during harvesting and transportation.
• Minimal Equipment: The absence of appropriate tools and equipment exacerbates the risk of physical damage to the crops.

1. Insufficient Storage Facilities

• Poor Storage Conditions: Many farmers do not have access to adequate storage facilities, resulting in spoilage and pest infestations.
• Traditional Methods: Reliance on traditional storage methods fails to protect crops from environmental factors.

1. Pest and Disease Management

• High Pest Infestation Rates: The assessment revealed a significant prevalence of pests that attack crops post-harvest.
• Limited Resources: Farmers often lack access to effective pest control measures and resources for managing crop diseases.

1. Market Access Issues

• Transportation Challenges: Poor transportation infrastructure limits farmers’ ability to reach markets promptly, leading to delays and deterioration of crop quality.
• Price Volatility: Fluctuating market prices can discourage farmers from investing in quality management practices.

1. Climate Variability

• Impact of Weather: Unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and floods, affect both the quantity and quality of crops harvested.
• Adaptation Challenges: Farmers struggle to adapt to changing climatic conditions, which can lead to poor crop yields.

1. Economic Constraints

• Limited Financial Resources: Many farmers lack access to credit and financial services, hindering their ability to invest in quality-enhancing technologies and practices.
• High Costs: The costs associated with storage, transportation, and pest management can be prohibitive for smallholder farmers.

Recommendations

1. Training and Capacity Building
   • Implement training programs to educate farmers on best practices for post-harvest handling, storage, and pest management.
2. Improved Storage Solutions
   • Invest in the development of community storage facilities equipped with proper temperature and humidity controls.
3. Access to Resources
   • Facilitate access to pest management resources and provide support for the adoption of integrated pest management practices.
4. Enhancing Market Access
   • Improve transportation infrastructure and establish cooperative marketing strategies to help farmers reach markets more effectively.
5. Financial Support
   • Develop financial programs that provide loans or grants to farmers for investing in quality management practices.
6. Climate Resilience Strategies
   • Promote the use of climate-resilient agricultural practices and crop varieties to better withstand adverse weather conditions.