Postharvest Management

A PHM department was established in November 2008 to host BSc and MSc programs in PHM and other initiatives of the Post-harvest Management to Improve Livelihoods (PHMIL) project. However, through time, the BSc program has been nationally harmonized as BSc in Food Science and Postharvest Technology (FSTP). Currently, the department is offering a four year BSc program (BSc in Food Science and Postharvest Technology), Three MSc Programs (MSc in Post-harvest Management, MSc in Postharvest Science and Technology and MSc in Food Science and Technology) and two PhD programs (PhD in Postharvest Technology and PhD in Food Science and Technology). The department will also offer a demand driven BSc training in Post-harvest Management. The department has graduated Five BSc Batches (three in PHM and two in FSPT programs) who are currently working in different governmental and Non-governmental organization in PHM and related sectors.

To effectively execute its objectives the department has developed sound academic staffs. Currently, there are 1 full professor, 1associate professor, 3 PhD, 12 MSc, and 5 BSc teaching and research staffs in the department.   Moreover, more than fifteen academic staff members will be cross appointed from other departments to teach specific courses and to be involved in departmental activities.

Missions of the Department 

  1. To produce high caliber and practically competent graduates in the areas of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, Postharvest Management and value addition of agricultural products, while mainstreaming the three cross-cutting themes (gender, HIV/AIDS, and environment).
  2. To carry out demand driven and problem solving research and generate appropriate technologies that focus on national and regional postharvest challenges and opportunities.
  3. To provide community outreach services through promotion and dissemination of appropriate technologies, and to organize professional workshops and tailored training programs in the areas of Food Science and Technology, Postharvest management and Postharvest Science and Technology.

Department Objectives

  • To train professionals in BSc level in the field of Food Science and Postharvest technology
  • To train professionals in MSc level in the field of Post-harvest Management, Postharvest Science and Technology and Food Science and Technology.
  • To train professionals in PhD level in the fields of Food Science and Technology, and Postharvest Technology
  • To conduct demand driven and problem solving research in Post-harvest Management, Food Science and Technology, Postharvest Science Technology, and thereby contribute to the improvement of the national food security and commercialization of agricultural products
  • To provide extension services in Post-harvest Management
  • To organize and provide demand driven in-service and other tailored trainings for various stakeholders
  • To render professional and technical consultancy/advice on matters pertaining to Postharvest Management

Admission Requirements 

The Food Science and Postharvest Technology program is an applied interdisciplinary field of study. Accordingly, all the experts agreed on that students need to have at least very good grade in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics courses so as to successfully complete their B.Sc. in Food Science & Postharvest Technology. Students who completed the preparatory secondary education with a minimum cut-off point set by the Ministry of Education (MOE) each year on the Ethiopian Secondary General Certificate Examination (ESGCE) are eligible to be admitted to the regular degree program.

External Links

  • The department has good collaboration with national and international organizations
  • Ministry of Agriculture and natural Resources, Ethiopia
  • Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ethiopia
  • Ministry of Science and Technology, Ethiopia
  • Ministry of Trade and Industry
  • Global Action Canada (GAC formerly CIDA, Canada)
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • Post-harvest Education Foundation (PEF)
  • Reduction of post-harvest Losses through value addition (RELOAD)

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