This manual, presents material from a wide variety of disciplines associated with the prevention of food losses and development of marketing operations, particularly those in fruit, vegetables and roots and tubers. It is directed to field staff, project supervisors, teachers at agricultural schools and at training institutions, and extension personnel connected with the handling and marketing of those commodities. This manual should serve as a reference work on the prevention of postharvest food losses. For specific training purposes, the manual takes up a number of crops and techniques from which the trainer can select according to local conditions. Trainers are encouraged to supplement the material by practical work and by detailed worksheets or handouts covering special topics of local interest.

And recommendations -- I. Rationale and directions for reducing food losses in perishable crops -- II. Post-harvest losses in perishable crops -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Factors related to the post-harvest system -- 3. Roots and tubers -- 4. Fruits and vegetables.

Around one third of all food production is lost or wasted. This book provides a comprehensive review of the causes and prevention of food losses and waste at key steps in the supply chain, for different commodities and across particular regions.