Trees for Kenya is addressing post-harvest losses by training farmers in solar drying at its demonstration farm. The farm has modern solar dryers installed to give farmers practical, hands-on experience in food preservation and value addition.
The demonstration farm also promotes energy conservation and showcases the innovative use of green energy. Through this approach, farmers learn how solar drying can reduce dependency on conventional energy sources while improving the quality and shelf life of harvested produce.
To ensure food safety and proper handling, fodder crops such as calliandra and azolla are dried separately from human food products. Human food items such as cassava, arrowroots, moringa oleifera, and mangoes are also dried using the solar dryers, giving farmers a practical model for reducing losses and increasing the value of their produce.