MASII FARMERS GROUP VALUE ADDITION FOLLOW UP TRAINING, FEBRUARY 17, 2020

The University of Nairobi through the visited and trained Masii Horticultural farmers group in Masii on key requirements of product development and value addition of mangoes and other fruits and vegetables. The training focused on the hygienic handling and practices required during processing, actual processing of fruits and vegetables into consumable products such as pulp, nectar, dried crisps and leather as well as storage of processed products. Other key issues that were re-emphasised included the need to assure food safety and quality of the product through appropriate use of additives and also the proper disposal of wastes to avoid attracting rodents and insects to the processing compound. The University team was led by Prof. Jane Ambuko who is a post-harvest management expert, Dr. George Abong who is the current chairman of DFSNT and food safety and quality expert, Mr. Duke Gekonge who is a PhD student and product development expert and Mr. Emmanuel Amwoka who is an MSc student in post-harvest physiology