Food safety losses are related to both physical and quality losses, since the damage caused by unsafe handling practices can lead to both sorting out for physical losses and to quality losses with associated loss of market value.

Postharvest and food safety assessments were carried out using Commodity Systems Assessment Methodology (CSAM), which includes literature reviews, interviews and observations. Key informant interviews with experts, farmers, traders and extension workers in Ethiopia, Senegal, Rwanda and Nepal have revealed a wide range of food safety issues and associated small- and medium-sized entity (SME) business opportunities.

Four horticultural crops were the focus of these CSAM studies. Tomato value chains were assessed in all four countries. The mango value chain was assessed in Ethiopia and Senegal. Green banana (cooking banana) value chain was assessed in Rwanda, and the value chain for apples was assessed in Nepal. The four crops included fruits eaten as staple foods (starchy green bananas), fresh fruits (tomatoes, manages and apples) and processed products (all four crops).