CROP STORAGE, PURCHASING, AND TRANSPORTATION - HOW CAN THESE SERVICES BEST BE PROVIDED?

The point at which ownership of the crop is exchanged requires careful consideration. Ownership normally passes from grower to buyer at the field collection centre, where the purchasing company checks, weighs and takes possession of the smallholder's crop.

The more carefully the crop is handled after harvest, the greater the chance of maximizing the value of the crop to both the farmer and the exporting company.

Smallholders' crops are, generally, produced in relatively inaccessible areas which lack cold store facilities. Exporters will therefore buy fresh produce from within 200 km (less than one day by road) of the pack-house. They do not encourage smallholders to deliver the crop; instead, they collect the produce themselves or contract an intermediary. This means that it is essential to provide and manage crop collection facilities near the site of production. These should include as a minimum: a permanent building, weighing scales, table and durable boxes. It is important that the minimum requirements for storage, purchasing and transport are clearly explained and understood.