Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in supply centers in Salvador, Brazil: Analysis of determinants, volumes and reduction strategies.

Food losses and waste are a global problem, with an estimated 1.3 billion tons lost annually. In Brazil, fruit and vegetable losses amount to approximately 30% and occur in the processing, handling and storage stages. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in the Central Supply (CEASA) of Salvador, Brazil, its determinants and potential solutions to minimize the problem. A cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study was carried out in which data were collected by observing the operation of the supply units, registration in a field notebook, and administering a questionnaire to sellers that covered four main dimensions: socioeconomic profile of vendors; hygienic-sanitary conditions; characteristics of acquisition, storage and commercialization of products; and measures used by sellers to reduce losses. Many inadequacies were found, including the transportation and reception of products and their commercialization. Regarding hygiene, there were flaws in the care of the environment, the products and the food handlers. At most sites (75%), there were problems with infrastructure. The loss was estimated to be on the order of 9.5 tonnes/week, especially bananas, papayas, tomatoes, peppers and lettuce. The main causes of loss were exceeding volume in purchases, storage without refrigeration and careless handling by consumers and vendors. Strategies to reduce losses included price reduction, donation practices and consumption by sellers. The study indicates the need for improvements both in the infrastructure and in the hygienic care, management and post-harvest conservation of the fruits and vegetables.

The experience of community urban gardens: Social organization and food security / A experiência das hortas urbanas comunitárias: organização social e segurança alimentar

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize Salvador-Bahia community gardens, with regard to social organization, work, supply and access to food, in line with the concept of Food Security. Methods A cross-sectional, exploratory study was carried out involving information collection, identification and selection of community gardens. Seven community gardens were located, although only five participated, with data collected through the application of semi-structured questionnaires, used with 13 horticulturists. Results Most of the gardens (80.0%) were located in popular neighborhoods and had been in place for less than five years; they operated with no land legalization (80.0%), in assigned areas (80.0%) and without any technical support (100.0%). No social organization was available in most of the initiatives (60.0%). The greatest difficulties included: lack of funding (80.0%) and volunteers for work (80.0%), as well as water use restrictions (80.0%). The crops included different fruits and vegetables, for self-consumption (80.0%), donation (60.0%), and/or commercialization (40.0%). Horticulturists included women (50.0%) and men (50.0%), mean age 44.8 years, education between illiterates (25.0%) and upper level (37.5%), rural migrants (50.0%) and experienced farmers (62.5%). Positive aspects included the production and access to natural food and the pleasure of working with earth. Conclusion Insufficient policies limited technical support and financing were observed in this segment, although there were contributions to the generation of work opportunities, supply and access to food. The study showed a strong link between community gardens and strategies to promote Food and Nutrition Security.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar as hortas urbanas comunitárias de Salvador-Bahia, quanto à organização social, ao trabalho, à oferta e o acesso aos alimentos, em alinhamento ao conceito de Segurança Alimentar. Métodos Realizou-se estudo transversal, exploratório, envolvendo levantamento de informações, identificação e seleção das hortas comunitárias. Sete hortas comunitárias foram localizadas, das quais cinco participaram, com coleta de dados por meio da aplicação de questionários semiestruturados, junto a 13 horticultores. Resultados A maioria das hortas (80,0%) localizava-se em bairros populares, tinha menos de cinco anos de existência, funcionava sem legalização da terra (80,0%), em áreas cedidas (80,0%) e sem apoio técnico (100,0%). Observou--se ausência de organização social, na maioria das iniciativas (60,0%). As maiores dificuldades incluíram: falta de financiamento (80,0%), de voluntários para o trabalho (80,0%) e limitações no uso da água (80,0%). Os cultivos compreenderam variedades de frutas e hortaliças, destinadas ao autoconsumo (80,0%), à doação (60,0%), e/ou à comercialização (40,0%). Os horticultores incluíram mulheres (50,0%) e homens (50,0%), média de idade de 44,8 anos, escolaridade entre analfabetos (25,0%) e nível superior (37,5%), migrantes rurais (50,0%) e com experiência na agricultura (62,5%). Como aspectos positivos do trabalho, constaram a produção e o acesso a alimentos naturais e o prazer pelo trabalho com a terra. Conclusão Verificou-se insuficiência de políticas para o segmento, reduzido apoio técnico e financiamento, conquanto houvesse contribuições para a geração de trabalho, a oferta e o acesso aos alimentos. O estudo revelou forte vinculação entre hortas comunitárias e estratégias de promoção da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional.