By Fatima Ndagi
Nigeria loses up to $10 billion worth of agricultural produce each year due to poor post-harvest handling, but modern value-chain solutions could reverse the trend, according to Segun Alabi, CEO of indigenous agritech firm Davidorlah Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at a briefing at the National Assembly on Monday, Alabi said the country’s massive post-harvest losses—estimated at 30–50% of produce annually—stem from inadequate storage, inefficient transportation, poor harvesting methods, and limited processing capacity.
Davidorlah Farms, a subsidiary of the company, operates the largest pineapple estate in West Africa, processing the fruit into concentrates. The firm has developed solutions aimed at turning farm waste into economic, social, and environmental value.
Alabi outlined key interventions: investing in modern storage and cold-chain facilities, improving rural roads and logistics, and providing farmer training on best practices and waste reduction.
He stressed that cutting waste would increase marketable produce, boost exports, generate jobs, and strengthen food security, while also promoting sustainability through composting and recycling.
“With the right investments and policies, Nigeria can transform agricultural waste into economic opportunity, improve rural livelihoods, and protect the environment,” Alabi said.
