Organization: Instituto Tecnologico de Veracruz (http://www.itver.edu.mx)
Authors: J. De La Cruz Medina and H.S. García
Edited by: Danilo Mejía, PhD - Agricultural and Food Engineering Technologies Service (AGST)
CHAPTER XXXIII: Pineapple post-harvest operations
4.0 Economic and Social Considerations
4.1 Gender aspects: Role of the men and women in post harvest operations
A study of the role of women in postharvest handling and marketing of pineapple and others fruits. In Guatemala women leaders of the Cooperation for rural development of the west are well aware that in order to achieve integral development of a community, community organization is imperative. These women supported the organization of rural women of Xolsacmaljá and Chuculjuyup, who wanted to generate their own income and contribute to the household economy. These pheasant women started organizing due to the abundant harvest, since each one alone could only market very small amounts of fruits. Although they joined efforts to sell their crops in larger scale profits were barely enough to provide adequate support for their families. Then these women decided to start a project for fruit transformation that INCAP offered. In 1992, after feasibility studies and financing programs, the woman's project for dried goods was created, involving the construction of a small drying plant for apples. When the plant started, it only processed second quality apples. This operation was not difficult and did not require specialized technologies for dried fruit preservation. However, in addition to local fruits, they currently process tropical fruits (pineapple, papaya, mango, banana meal). They have also expanded their industrial capabilities to marmalades, syrups and other products including snacks, teas, bakery ingredients among others, which have been accepted in international markets due to their all-natural labeling. Cooperative members have received training for resource management, entrepreneur abilities and leadership, among others. They have successfully participated in local and national fairs.
At the village of Taido Anomabu in Ghana, the project Hunger Ghana produced a wide selection of projects. In a particular project, villagers were trained in all aspects of pineapple production, and contact was established with business partners from Accra, who bought the entire crop of 1997. From marginal producers, the project turned the small operation into a lucrative business. Villagers built a multi-purpose building that became an important center for the community serving as school, training center and meeting hall.
