Growth in the agriculture sector has been shown in some areas to be more effective than growth in other sectors at lifting men and women out of poverty — increasing food availability, generating income from production, creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities throughout value chains, and spurring growth in rural and urban economies. Fruit and vegetable production and markets have a big impact, as these crops generate high economic returns per unit of land. Farmers who grow high-value horticulture crops consistently earn more than those who grow other commodities, allowing smallholder farmers to derive additional income and driving agricultural and economic diversification. Innovation in horticulture crops, including postharvest entrepreneurial opportunities, offer increased production, value-added income, and long-term investment opportunities.

Mitigating soilborne diseases to improve smallholder farmer livelihoods and food security in Nepal

Mitigating soilborne diseases to improve smallholder farmer livelihoods and food security in Nepal

The rapid urbanization in Bangladesh and Nepal is making the city dwellers vulnerable for their food and nutrition and primarily dependent on the supply chain from the rural areas. Also, it has been a challenge to enhance the production of fruits and vegetables in urban and peri-urban areas due to the limited supply of quality planting materials. By addressing these issues can contribute to increasing urban communities’ access to demand-based nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, which can contribute to achieving food and nutritional security.
Nepal
Developing innovative horticulture technologies for small-scale women farmers in Uganda

Developing innovative horticulture technologies for small-scale women farmers in Uganda

The theory of change in this project identified the problem of losses in horticultural crops during the pre-harvest, post-harvest and marketing stages in Uganda. The overall goal of this project is to increase financial independence and improve the livelihoods of small-scale women vegetable farmers. To achieve this goal, we will evaluate different agronomic practices for reduced loss; evaluate different postharvest practices for reduced loss in vegetables; and evaluate different marketing and market access strategies for vegetables by women farmers. This is expected to lead to improved household nutrition status; increased sales of vegetables; and increased household income status of small-scale women farmers.
Uganda
Sorting and grading of harvested tomatoes in Kajiado County.

Determining the trade-offs between short and long horticulture value chains in Kenya

By increasing understandings of the trade-offs of short horticulture value chains versus long horticulture value chains, and the impact of ICT on those value chains, researchers will have critical information to guide where future interventions and innovations should be focused to achieve specific types of outcomes and avoid unintended harmful impacts from scaling/interventions. Furthermore, by collecting this data, researchers outside of Kenya can use the findings and approach as a framework for replication
Kenya
Advancing Technology based on Urban and Peri-urban Horticulture Needs in Bangladesh and Nepal

Advancing Technology based on Urban and Peri-urban Horticulture Needs in Bangladesh and Nepal

The rapid urbanization in Bangladesh and Nepal is making the city dwellers vulnerable for their food and nutrition and primarily dependent on the supply chain from the rural areas. Also, it has been a challenge to enhance the production of fruits and vegetables in urban and peri-urban areas due to the limited supply of quality planting materials. By addressing these issues can contribute to increasing urban communities’ access to demand-based nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, which can contribute to achieving food and nutritional security.
Nepal, Bangladesh
University classroom with students and speaker

Building postharvest capacity in Tanzania

Led by Eleni Pliakoni, Kansas State University

Postharvest losses of fresh horticultural crops are a major challenge in Tanzania, with studies from Sokoine University of Agriculture estimating losses of fresh produce at 44-60 percent.

Tanzania
Scientist and farmer gather tomato examples from farm field in Nigeria.

Improving tomato production through local GAPs in Nigeria

Led by Sally Miller, The Ohio State University

This project enhances regional and international trade in Nigerian tomatoes by developing a science-based good agricultural practices (GAPs) curriculum and training programs to improve production,

Nigeria
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