This course provides an overview of the issue of postharvest loss of grains by exploring essential physical, technical, and social dimensions of postharvest supply chains and loss prevention methods globally.
Global Postharvest Loss Prevention: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Actors
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignAbout this Course
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Beginner Level
Approx. 17 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 17 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a world leader in research, teaching and public engagement, distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty and alumni. Illinois serves the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and finding solutions to critical societal needs.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Course Orientation
In this module, you will become familiar with the course, your instructor, your classmates, and our learning environment.
1 hour to complete
1 video (Total 12 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
4 readings
Syllabus10m
About the Discussion Forums10m
Updating Your Profile10m
Social Media10m
1 practice exercise
Orientation Quiz10m
4 hours to complete
Week 1: Problem: Global Postharvest Loss
This module will provide you with an overview of the issue of postharvest loss (PHL) and how this impacts global food security and sustainability. It will also define the postharvest supply chain.
4 hours to complete
3 videos (Total 41 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
3 videos
1.2. Role of Water in Food Security: Global Perspectives15m
1.3. Overview of the Postharvest Supply Chain and the Role of Mechanization 8m
2 readings
Week 1 Overview10m
Week 1 Readings and Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Week 1 Quiz30m
4 hours to complete
Week 2: Causes: Major Causes & Encounters for PHL
This module will introduce you to technical, social, and economic factors and situations that lead to postharvest losses. Harvesting, drying, and storage phases will be specifically covered as stages that are both vital in the grain supply chain and in which a great deal of postharvest losses are experienced.
4 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 81 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
2.2.1. Grain Drying: Basic Principles of Drying 10m
2.2.2. Grain Drying: Drying Methods 10m
2.2.3. Grain Cleaning: Methods and Equipment 8m
2.3. Grain Storage and Management 12m
2.4 The Economics of Postharvest Loss: Structural Issues 18m
2 readings
Week 2 Overview10m
Week 2 Readings and Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Week 2 Quiz40m
5 hours to complete
Week 3: Solutions: A Prevention Framework for PHL
This module will introduce you to a conceptual framework for how losses can be prevented. Theories, methods, and case examples on prevention will be covered.
5 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 95 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
9 videos
3.2.1. Asking the Most Useful Questions 11m
3.2.2. Tale of Two Cases: What Has Worked and What Hasn't Worked 9m
3.2.3. Enabling Good Decisions by Creating a Market-Like Environment 5m
3.3. Effective Extension for the Prevention of Postharvest Losses 12m
3.4. Working in Subsistence Marketplaces 7m
3.5. Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services 13m
3.6. Understanding Subsistence Marketplaces 11m
3.7. Designing Solutions 10m
2 readings
Week 3 Overview10m
Week 3 Readings and Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Week 3 Quiz40m
3 hours to complete
Week 4: Actors: A Network of Global Stakeholders
In this module you will explore how the international community is responding to the issue of postharvest loss. The module will cover the current state of the postharvest loss prevention field, as well as provide background as to how it developed. Some key projects, initiatives, and approaches will be highlighted.
3 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 50 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
4.1.2. Trends in International Awareness of Postharvest Loss: From Kissinger to 2015 9m
4.2. Solving Problems as an International Community: Benefits and Challenges of Collaborating for Food Loss Reduction 11m
4.3. SAVE FOOD Partnership and the Community of Practice on Food Loss Reduction 8m
4.4. The ADM Institute Approach to Postharvest Loss Prevention 15m
2 readings
Week 4 Overview10m
Week 4 Readings and Resources10m
2 practice exercises
Week 4 Quiz40m
Final Quiz1h 16m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM GLOBAL POSTHARVEST LOSS PREVENTION: FUNDAMENTALS, TECHNOLOGIES, AND ACTORS
by NGJan 18, 2017
Thanks for offering a very much informative course. Look forward for more courses in this field. Thanks a lot for all the lectures and Coursera!
by ASJul 31, 2020
It is wonderful course based on research that make it highly practical course and increase understanding & knowldege of Postharvest losses.
by MENov 27, 2016
A wonderful piece and a great eye opener on issues of post harvest losses and food security in general. Thanks for the course , nice move.
by KMMay 14, 2020
It is a wonderful course, I have gained knowledge on the difference between food loss and waste, and the importance of reducing it.
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