TB-Colloquium: 

Postharvest innovations in South Africa (in English)

Speaker: Dr. Oluwafemi Caleb
Postharvest Research Technology Laboratory, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa 

Postharvest technology research has contributed in meeting global demand for fresh and processed fruit and vegetables all year-round. However, the rising global human population and ever growing demand for fresh, highly nutritional and safe fruit and vegetables demands a paradigm shift in order to harness the full potential of postharvest technology. Thus, this requires better understanding of the mechanisms of nutrient and flavor (volatile organic compounds) loss / accumulation during handling, processing and storage of food. The problem of postharvest losses remains a challenge in Africa with highest level of food insecurity, due to the growing population, climate change and the evolution of new economic classes. The status of postharvest technology and practice in Africa will be used to highlight the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

Starting in January 2015, Dr. Oluwafemi Caleb will work as Leibniz-DAAD Research Fellow for one year at the ATB in the field of postharvest quality and safety of fresh produce. He will be mentored by Dr. Pramod Mahajan.