Food Safety & Post-Harvest Program

In March 2025, GAERS organized a Food Safety Orientation Workshop in Zaria for vegetable farmers and value chain participants. The workshop was developed in response to insights gathered from an earlier farmer survey, which identified knowledge gaps in food safety practices, post-harvest handling, and market compliance requirements. The event provided an opportunity to share the survey findings directly with participants, validate field realities, and introduce practical steps farmers could take to improve product quality, reduce losses, and strengthen market readiness. The workshop focused on: - Safe handling, storage, and processing of vegetables - Reducing post-harvest losses through better practices - Improving hygiene and food safety awareness - Understanding NAFDAC standards and compliance expectations - Building farmer confidence for higher-value local and export markets. Launch of IDAP Zaria: The workshop also marked the official launch of IDAP Zaria — GAERS’ first dedicated farmer advisory WhatsApp group under the Integrated Digital Advisory Platform (IDAP). Before this, GAERS primarily operated a broader stakeholder communication group. With IDAP Zaria, a dedicated digital space was created for farmers to receive continuous support, practical guidance, and peer learning beyond the workshop itself. The workshop and subsequent advisory group delivered several early outcomes: - Farmers gained practical knowledge on safer handling, storage, and processing techniques - Participants reported stronger awareness of regulatory and quality standards - IDAP Zaria created a sustainable learning community, where farmers continued receiving weekly advisory support and sharing experiences - Farmers expressed stronger motivation to adopt safer, more professional practices that improve both income and consumer trust. Why It Matters: This initiative demonstrated the value of combining in-person engagement with simple digital follow-up systems. Rather than ending learning at the workshop, GAERS created a continuous advisory model that keeps farmers connected, informed, and supported. GAERS – Empowering Farmers • Strengthening Food Systems