Here’s what you need to know:
- The Problem: Nigeria loses a HUGE amount of food after harvest – we’re talking about billions of Naira worth of crops rotting away!
- The Solution: The Agrofood exhibition aims to bring together experts to find ways to stop this waste.
- The Date: Mark your calendars! The exhibition is happening from March 25 to 27, 2025, in Lagos.
- Who’s Involved: Big players in agriculture, technology, and even cold chain logistics are joining forces.
Why Post-Harvest Losses Are a Big Deal
Imagine working hard to grow your crops, only to see a big chunk of them rot before they even reach the market. That’s the reality for many Nigerian farmers. According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), about 50% of fresh agricultural products in Nigeria are lost after harvest because of problems with transportation and storage.
This isn’t just about farmers losing money. It also means less food available for consumers, leading to higher prices. Plus, it’s a waste of resources like water and land that were used to grow those crops in the first place.
Agrofood Exhibition: A Platform for Change
The Agrofood and Plastprintpack exhibition, organized by FairTrade Messe, wants to change this narrative. The event will showcase new technologies, strategies, and partnerships aimed at minimizing post-harvest losses.
Ms. Freyja Detjen, Senior Project Manager at FairTrade Messe, emphasized that the exhibition will create opportunities for stakeholders across the value chain to connect and find efficient solutions. “We want to bridge the gap of post-harvest losses in the country,” she said.
What to Expect at the Exhibition
This year’s event is packed with exciting activities and opportunities:
- Expert Insights: Over 70 speakers will share their knowledge in more than 20 conference sessions.
- Networking: Connect with over 100 leading exhibitors from more than 15 countries.
- Innovation Showcase: Discover tailored products and solutions designed to improve agriculture and food processing.
Cold Chain Summit: Keeping Food Fresh
A key part of the exhibition is the 7th West African Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition, co-organized with the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa. Cold chain technology – like refrigerated storage and transportation – is crucial for keeping food fresh and preventing spoilage. The summit will explore ways to expand and improve cold chain infrastructure in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Nigeria’s Growing Investment in Technology
There’s good news on the horizon! Nigeria is increasingly investing in technologies that can boost the agricultural sector. In 2023, Nigeria was the fourth-largest investor in plastics technology in Africa, spending €134 million. The nation’s imports of printing and paper processing technology have also surged, making Nigeria the second-largest investor in sub-Saharan Africa.
Call to Action
Mr. Odion Aleobua, the Chief Executive Officer of Modion Communications, urged increased participation in the upcoming exhibition. He emphasized that it’s a great platform for connecting stakeholders interested in the development of Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
The Bottom Line
The Agrofood and Plastprintpack exhibition offers a ray of hope for tackling Nigeria’s post-harvest losses. By bringing together experts, showcasing innovative technologies, and fostering collaboration, this event can play a vital role in ensuring food security and boosting the agricultural sector. So, if you’re involved in agriculture, technology, or food processing, this is an event you don’t want to miss!