Login

Across sub-Saharan Africa, banana producers are increasingly turning to processing as a strategy to reduce post-harvest losses and unlock new revenue streams, marking a shift toward value-added agriculture. Post-harvest losses for fruits and vegetables in the region are estimated at 40% to 50%, driven largely by limited storage, weak logistics, and market volatility. To address this, growers are converting highly perishable bananas into shelf-stable products such as flour, purée, and chips—extending shelf life from a matter of days to several months. In Kisii County, small-scale processing units are transforming overripe bananas into flour, enabling farmers to access wider markets and stabilise incomes. “Before, we were at the mercy of the market. Now we can hold value,” one grower noted. Industry estimates suggest that processed banana products can increase export earnings by up to 42%, depending on product mix and access to regional and international markets. Emerging processing ...