What's new under the sun? Partnerships for poor fruit and vegetable farmers. Validated RNRRS Output.

Abstract

This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.

Summary for Project title: R5539: Low-cost fruit and vegetable drying technologies.

Poor farmers are avoiding the waste and low returns associated with overproduction of fruits and vegetables thanks to simple solar-drying techniques. Processing in this way helps preserve the quality of produce and provides opportunities for farmers to add value for local, regional and international markets. Enterprises known as primary marketing organisations (PMOs) are taking the lead in creating a commercially viable value chain, helping farmers to introduce the new technologies and access markets. In Uganda, more than 700 fruit farmers at 85 sites—mainly women—are using 110 solar dryers. The equipment, and the associated business model, are also being used by poor smallholders in a range of other developing countries, including Burkina Faso, Colombia, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zambia.

The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (9 pp.) taken from the CD.

Citation

CPH31, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 108.

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2007