A key component of FAO's work is building the capacity of farmers, traders and other stakeholders in the agricultural value-chain in post-harvest operations. We collaborate with other organizations to develop training programmes designed to transfer technology, disseminate information and build capacity in post-harvest management. Courses are generally designed as "training of trainers", where technologists, extensionists, NGOs, government officials, entrepreneurs and key farmers are trained and then made responsible for training other stakeholders, often small-scale farmers. Examples of such training programmes include:

Metal silos for grain storage at farm level

FAO aims to transfer improved technologies such as the metal silo for the storage of grains on the farm. Traditional techniques of grain storage are not in general very efficient, and as an alternative method of storage, FAO has introduced the metal silo technology. This technique reduces losses and allows grain to be stored for longer periods. The technology has been transferred to many countries in Latin America , Africa and Asia where core groups of local artisans (including women) have been trained on the construction of metal silos.

Horticultural chain management

FAO in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat funded the development of a "Train the Trainer" programme on Horticultural Chain Management, developed by the University of Pretoria. The objective of the programme is to provide the trainer with the technical information required to enable him/her to provide training, based on the specific needs of the target group to be trained. A similar program is currently being developed for the Asia Pacific Region, in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organization.

Safety management for durable crops in Africa

Mycotoxin contamination of grain staples is a major food safety concern in many African countries and a major health hazard for local populations. Following a major mycotoxin outbreak in Kenya in 2004, FAO, in collaboration with the Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, designed a training course for agricultural extension staff on mycotoxin control in the maize supply chain. The training was then replicated in different parts of the country.