Global Postharvest Loss Prevention: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Actors from Coursera

This course provides an overview of the issue of postharvest loss of grains by exploring essential physical, technical, and social dimensions of postharvest supply chains and loss prevention methods globally.

Each year, estimates suggest that 1/3 of all food produced is lost or wasted, making postharvest loss a critical global food security and sustainability issue of today. Key knowledge areas are presented including:

-An overview of postharvest loss

-Supply chain activities such as harvesting, drying, and storage

-Economics and markets

-An introduction to the network of actors working in this field

We face the immense challenge of feeding over 9 billion people by the year 2050. To meet these demands, yields will have to more than double using the same amount of natural resources. In recent years, postharvest loss has been recognized by major institutions including the US government, the United Nations, the CGIAR Research Consortium, and several others as a significant opportunity to impact food security and improve livelihoods. Despite this increased attention, a lack of knowledge, technical capacity, and resources remain obstacles for stakeholders worldwide to act on these issues. This course will, for the first time, provide you as professionals, practitioners, and students, with a comprehensive introduction to postharvest loss processes and begin building capacity for loss prevention worldwide.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

In this module, you will become familiar with the course, your instructor, your classmates, and our learning environment.

Week 1: Problem: Global Postharvest Loss

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores postharvest loss (PHL) and its negative impact on global food security and sustainability

Provides a comprehensive introduction to postharvest loss processes and prevention worldwide

Coursework builds capacity for loss prevention worldwide and addresses the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger

Examines the postharvest supply chain, including stages like harvesting, drying, and storage, where significant losses occur

Introduces a conceptual framework for preventing losses, covering theories, methods, and case examples

Taught by instructors knowledgeable in postharvest loss prevention

Reviews summary

Overview of global postharvest loss prevention

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive overview of global postharvest loss prevention, covering fundamentals, technologies, and the network of key actors involved. Many found the content highly relevant and practical, providing a solid foundation for understanding this critical global issue. Students frequently praised the expert instruction and the well-organized modular structure, making complex topics accessible. While largely seen as an excellent introduction for those new to the field, some with prior knowledge found certain sections more introductory. Overall, reviews indicate a highly valuable learning experience for professionals and students interested in food security and supply chains.

Content is logically organized into weekly units.

"The course structure, divided into logical weekly modules, made it easy to follow the progression from problem to solution."

"I found the weekly layout of lectures, readings, and quizzes to be well-paced and manageable."

"The course organization helped in systematically building my understanding of postharvest loss issues."

"Each module flowed well into the next, creating a coherent learning path."

"The structure allows you to focus on a different aspect of PHL each week."

Well-suited for beginners seeking an overview.

"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone new to the topic of postharvest loss prevention."

"I had limited prior knowledge of PHL, and the course provided a perfect introduction to the field."

"The content is accessible and doesn't assume prior expertise, making it great for students or professionals shifting focus."

"For someone with some background, certain sections might feel a bit basic, but overall it's a necessary foundational course."

"It gave me exactly the broad overview I was looking for before deciding on more specialized study."

Instructors are knowledgeable and effective communicators.

"The instructors are clearly experts in the field and passionate about the topic, which made the lectures engaging and informative."

"I appreciated the depth of knowledge the faculty brought to each module; their expertise was evident throughout the course."

"The lectures were delivered clearly, and the instructors did a great job explaining complex concepts in an understandable way."

"Hearing directly from leading researchers and practitioners in PHL was a major highlight of the course."

"The instructors' insights added significant value and credibility to the course content."

Provides a strong base in postharvest loss concepts.

"The course offers a very good overview of the fundamentals of postharvest loss, from causes to prevention strategies and key players."

"I gained a solid foundation in understanding the postharvest supply chain and where losses typically occur."

"The modules on the causes of loss during harvesting, drying, and storage were particularly informative and well-explained."

"The course covered all the essential aspects I needed to understand about PHL before delving deeper into specific areas."

"It provides a holistic view, connecting the technical aspects with economic and social dimensions."

Covers a critical and highly relevant global issue.

"The course brilliantly addresses the critical issue of postharvest loss, highlighting its significant impact on global food security and sustainability."

"I found the information on postharvest loss prevention directly applicable to challenges faced in my region, emphasizing the global relevance of this topic."

"Understanding postharvest loss is crucial today, and this course provides essential context on why it matters so much for feeding the world."

"The course effectively communicates the urgency and importance of reducing food losses in the supply chain."

"This course opened my eyes to a major challenge in agriculture that I wasn't fully aware of."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Postharvest Loss Prevention: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Actors with these activities:

Follow the "Postharvest Loss Reduction" tutorial series

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This tutorial series provides practical guidance on how to reduce postharvest loss.

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Watch the tutorial videos
Complete the tutorial exercises
Apply what you have learned to your own work

Write a blog post about postharvest loss

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Summarizing what you learn in a public blog post will enhance retention and understanding.

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Choose a topic that you are interested in
Research your topic: gather facts and data from credible sources
Write your blog post in a clear and concise style
Proofread your blog post carefully before publishing it
Publish your blog post on a platform that is relevant to your audience

Join a study group to discuss postharvest loss

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Talking with your peers and collaborating to solve postharvest challenges can reinforce learning.

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Find a few classmates that share an interest in assisting with postharvest efforts
Decide how often the group will meet
Discuss course readings, assignments, and case studies

Three other activities

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Develop a postharvest loss reduction plan for a specific crop

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Applying what you learn in the course to a concrete project will deepen your understanding.

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Choose the crop you want to focus on
Develop monitoring methods
Identify the major causes of postharvest loss for the crop
Develop and implement strategies to reduce postharvest loss
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies

Attend a workshop on postharvest loss reduction

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Workshops can introduce you to new ideas and provide opportunities for networking with experts in the field.

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Find a workshop that you are interested in
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities
Follow up with the workshop organizers or participants after the event

Participate in a postharvest loss reduction competition

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Competitions can motivate you to learn more about postharvest loss and find creative solutions.

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Find a competition that you are interested in
Read the competition rules and regulations
Develop a project that address the competition's goals
Submit your project to the competition

Career center

Learners who complete Global Postharvest Loss Prevention: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Actors will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural Engineers work to improve the safety and efficiency of agricultural practices, including postharvest handling and storage. By taking this course, you will gain insight into the factors that contribute to postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as an Agricultural Engineer, as it will help you to design and implement postharvest systems that minimize losses and ensure the quality of food products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Economists analyze the economic factors that affect the production and distribution of agricultural products, including postharvest loss. By taking this course, you will learn about the economic costs of postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to reduce it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as an Agricultural Economist, as it will help you to develop policies and programs that promote sustainable agricultural practices.

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Agronomist

Agronomists work to improve the production and quality of crops, including grains. By taking this course, you will learn about the factors that contribute to postharvest loss in grains and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as an Agronomist, as it will help you to develop crop management practices that minimize losses and ensure the quality of grain products.

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Food Scientist

Food Scientists work to develop and improve the quality and safety of food products, including postharvest handling and storage. By taking this course, you will learn about the factors that contribute to postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Food Scientist, as it will help you to develop food processing and storage technologies that minimize losses and ensure the quality of food products.

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Food Technologist

Food Technologists work to develop and improve the quality and safety of food products, including postharvest handling and storage. By taking this course, you will learn about the factors that contribute to postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Food Technologist, as it will help you to develop food processing and storage technologies that minimize losses and ensure the quality of food products.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries, including by promoting sustainable agriculture practices. By taking this course, you will gain insight into the factors that contribute to postharvest loss in developing countries and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as an International Development Specialist, as it will help you to design and implement programs that promote food security and improve livelihoods.

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Logistics Manager

Logistics Managers oversee the movement and storage of goods, including food products. By taking this course, you will learn about the factors that contribute to postharvest loss during transportation and storage and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Logistics Manager, as it will help you to design and implement transportation and storage systems that minimize losses and ensure the quality of food products.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies, including those related to food and agriculture. By taking this course, you will learn about the economic and social costs of postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to reduce it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Policy Analyst, as it will help you to develop and advocate for policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices.

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Program Manager

Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs, including those related to food and agriculture. By taking this course, you will gain insight into the factors that contribute to postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Program Manager, as it will help you to design and implement programs that promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce postharvest loss.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the implementation of projects, including those related to postharvest loss prevention. By taking this course, you will gain insight into the factors that contribute to postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Project Manager, as it will help you to design and implement projects that minimize losses and ensure the quality of food products.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research on a variety of topics, including postharvest loss prevention. By taking this course, you will learn about the factors that contribute to postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Research Scientist, as it will help you to conduct research that leads to new and innovative solutions to the problem of postharvest loss.

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Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers oversee the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers, including food products. By taking this course, you will learn about the factors that contribute to postharvest loss during transportation and storage and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Supply Chain Manager, as it will help you to design and implement supply chain systems that minimize losses and ensure the quality of food products.

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Warehouse Manager

Warehouse Managers oversee the storage and distribution of goods, including food products. By taking this course, you will learn about the factors that contribute to postharvest loss during storage and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Warehouse Manager, as it will help you to design and implement storage systems that minimize losses and ensure the quality of food products.

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Field Technician

Field Technicians provide technical assistance to farmers and other agricultural producers, including on postharvest loss prevention. By taking this course, you will gain insight into the factors that contribute to postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as a Field Technician, as it will help you to provide farmers with the information and resources they need to minimize losses and improve the quality of their products.

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Extension Agent

Extension Agents provide educational and technical assistance to farmers and other agricultural producers, including on postharvest loss prevention. By taking this course, you will gain insight into the factors that contribute to postharvest loss and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. This knowledge will be valuable for your career as an Extension Agent, as it will help you to provide farmers with the information and resources they need to minimize losses and improve the quality of their products.

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