A Scoping Review of Postharvest Losses, Supply Chain Management, and Technology: Implications for Produce Quality in Developing Countries
Authors: Kaur Raminder , Watson Jonathan Adam 
Published: September 2024

Highlights

A scoping review of 385 articles containing relevant literature, research studies, and connections among postharvest losses, produce quality, supply chain management, and technology use was performed.

Several postharvest factors, including handling, pre-cooling, washing and sanitation, sorting and grading, packaging, storage, and transport, play key roles in maintaining produce quality, but stakeholders in developing countries or emerging economies often lack access, infrastructure, equipment, and capital, resulting in significant losses.

Supply chain management plays an important role in reducing postharvest losses, yet managerial, socioeconomic, and supply hindrances create impediments to fresh food industries in developing countries.

Recently developed technologies in cold storage, artificial intelligence, and tracking and tracing can have a significant impact on produce quality, and while developing countries have adopted new technologies rapidly, there are still financial, social, and regulatory obstacles limiting uptake.

Abstract. Rising global population and increased demand for fresh food, especially in developing countries, underscore the critical need to address postharvest losses to ensure food security. Effective postharvest practices, supply chain management, and technology are key factors to sustaining produce quality. However, the magnitude and nature of these factors vary between developed and developing countries. Developed countries tend to have more efficient supply chain management systems, a highly skilled workforce, and greater access to advanced technologies, leading to a higher level of produce quality and fewer postharvest losses. In contrast, developing countries often suffer from inadequate infrastructure, a lack of access to modern technologies, a lack of skills to properly grade, sort, package, transport, and store produce, as well as poor quality control. Addressing these issues through improved supply chain management, the adoption of appropriate technologies, and training and education could lead to a reduction in postharvest losses, produce quality that is maintained, and a safer, more secure food supply. This article presents a scoping review of literature on postharvest factors, technologies, and practices resulting in the deterioration and losses of fruits and vegetables in fresh food supply chains, with an emphasis on developing countries. Existing and emerging technologies and supply chain management practices that maintain quality and facilitate the delivery of high-quality produce were highlighted. First, a conceptual framework for supply chains is presented to guide discussion on technical, economic, and policy opportunities and to provide insights that may strengthen the resilience of food systems in developing countries. Next, techniques and practices used in the produce industry were summarized, including how effective supply chain management can maintain quality and reduce postharvest losses at key distribution stages. Finally, recent literature on technology, applications, and barriers to adoption is presented, and strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience in developing countries are discussed. Keywords: Developing countries, Food loss, Food security, Postharvest losses, Postharvest management, Produce quality, Smallholder farmers, Supply chain management, Technology adoption.