Departments › Agricultural Engineering › Module VI › Agricultural Post Harvest Processes

Agricultural Post Harvest Processes

Agricultural Engineering · Level 6  ·  8 Chapters

Compiled by: Elijah Ochieng

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What Agricultural Post Harvest Processes covers

In this unit, you will be able to expertly handle farm produce from the moment it leaves the field to when it reaches the market, ensuring freshness and quality every step of the way. You will confidently choose the best transport methods, follow safety and environmental guidelines, and apply proper sorting, cleaning, grading, drying, and cooling techniques. By mastering these skills, you will play a vital role in preserving the value of agricultural products and supporting successful, sustainable farming businesses.

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Careers after Agricultural Post Harvest Processes

Mastering Agricultural Post Harvest Processes opens doors to vital roles across Kenya’s vibrant agricultural and allied sectors. Your skills ensure that the hard work of farmers translates into quality produce that reaches markets fresh, safe, and profitable. This expertise is crucial in a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy and post-harvest losses can significantly impact livelihoods.

  • In the agribusiness sector, including companies like KTDA (Kenya Tea Development Agency) and large-scale farms, your ability to handle, sort, and grade produce ensures products meet export standards, increasing income for farmers and processors.
  • The jua kali sector offers opportunities to innovate and provide transport and drying solutions for farmers, creating small businesses that serve local communities.
  • Working with county governments in agricultural extension services or in county works departments, you can help improve food security by training farmers on proper post-harvest handling and ensuring compliance with government regulations.
  • In the matatu industry, specialized transport services for fresh produce are in demand, and your knowledge of safe and timely transport can lead to employment or entrepreneurship in refrigerated or clean transport services.
  • At KenGen and other energy firms involved in bioenergy, knowing how to process agricultural waste can lead to innovative roles in sustainable energy production.
  • The hospitality industry values fresh, high-quality farm produce, and your skills can lead to roles in supply chain management ensuring that hotels and restaurants receive the best ingredients.
  • By mastering these processes, you can also start your own business offering drying, sorting, or transport services, tapping into Kenya’s growing demand for quality agricultural products both locally and for export.

Your expertise not only boosts your earning potential but also strengthens Kenya’s food systems and economy. Embrace these skills—they are your gateway to a rewarding career that feeds the nation and builds a prosperous future.

Chapters

1
Transport farm produce
19 topics
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2
Sort, clean and grade farm produce
6 topics
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3
Dry and cool farm produce
9 topics
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4
Process farm produce
8 topics
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5
Package farm produce
5 topics
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6
Handle farm produce
6 topics
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7
Store farm produce
3 topics
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8
Manage agricultural waste and by-products
6 topics
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What Agricultural Post Harvest Processes covers: 34 main topics in 8 chapters

1. Transport farm produce

  1. 1.1 Types of produce
  2. 1.2 Factors to consider in farm produce transportation
  3. 1.3 Techniques and means of produce transportation
  4. 1.4 Regulations and compliance requirements in produce transportation
  5. 1.5 Handling procedures to minimize damage and spoilage during transport

2. Sort, clean and grade farm produce

  1. 2.1 Requirements for sorting, cleaning, and grading
  2. 2.2 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in sorting, cleaning, and grading
  3. 2.3 Marketing standards and quality specifications
  4. 2.4 Relevant regulations in sorting, cleaning, and grading
  5. 2.5 Types of machines and tools used
  6. 2.6 Techniques for different types of produce

3. Dry and cool farm produce

  1. 3.1 Preparation procedures before drying and cooling
  2. 3.2 Types of structures and equipment for drying and cooling
  3. 3.3 Factors influencing drying and cooling
  4. 3.4 Step-by-step drying and cooling processes
  5. 3.5 Testing techniques and standards for dried and cooled produce

4. Process farm produce

  1. 4.1 Procedures for preparing farm produce for processing
  2. 4.2 Methods for processing different farm produce
  3. 4.3 Standards in farm produce preparation
  4. 4.4 Identification and use of processing equipment
  5. 4.5 Factors to consider when processing farm produce

5. Package farm produce

  1. 5.1 Methods of packaging based on produce type
  2. 5.2 Selection of packaging material
  3. 5.3 Packaging standards and compliance (e.g., KEBS)
  4. 5.4 Use of packaging machines
  5. 5.5 Labelling requirements and traceability

6. Handle farm produce

  1. 6.1 Factors to consider during farm produce handling
  2. 6.2 Correct handling procedures to maintain quality
  3. 6.3 Safety measures in handling farm produce

7. Store farm produce

  1. 7.1 Storage structures and facilities
  2. 7.2 Optimal storage conditions for different produce types
  3. 7.3 Pest control measures and monitoring

8. Manage agricultural waste and by-products

  1. 8.1 Methods of agricultural waste management
  2. 8.2 Regulations governing agricultural waste disposal

Practise this unit

The practical 85 The assessment itself: tools, materials and the marks Step-by-step guide 85 PPE, each step, what good looks like, common mistakes

Revise this unit

Exam-style questions 112 Written to CDACC standard, with answers Test yourself 318 Multiple-choice, one at a time Practise questions 215 Quick recall — check you know the facts
3 more for this unit
Oral exam preparation 77 What the assessor asks, and how to answer out loud Worked calculations 14 Step-by-step maths with the common mistakes Quick cards 1,594 Myth busters, skill tips and scenarios

Beyond the syllabus

Decision simulator 8 On site, what would you do? Workplace scenarios 122 Real site situations — what would you do? Turn this into income 72 Where this skill earns — what to charge, how to find clients

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