Food losses for fruits and vegetables are estimated to 50% in Sub-Saharan Africa
and about 55% in North Africa and Middle East. Regarding cereals, losses are
estimated up to 20% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 30% in North Africa and Middle East.
(Source: FAO 2011).

Intervention and progresses in this very complex and differentiated area may require technological means for handling both large and small quantities of food, from storage centers to family's supplies.

Ipack-Ima Spa, supported by a high-level Scientific Committee, the UN Agencies, Italian Ministries and the private sector, has been facing the role of technology as key factor in the projects set up in the developing countries on agro-business supply chain from the post-harvesting to the consumer.

The International Conference "Enhancing Food Safety and Food Security in Africa: Processing and Packaging Technologies from Farm gate to the Consumers Table" is going to explore the progresses and technological innovations for the processing and packaging of Cereals and Fruit & Vegetables by presenting practical solutions.

Great prospects are open in Africa to technological development in some Countries and areas which may play a critical role not only as systems for adding value to local produce but also as model of development in other areas.

Presentations and discussions will therefore present solutions based on improved processing and packaging technologies.