Entrepreneurs have urged stronger support for Nigerian and African farmers to adopt post-harvest processing, saying it is vital to reducing losses and keeping food available year-round for all consumers.

They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday at the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair.

The respondents said the fair had opened new opportunities for farmers and manufacturers to learn modern methods of preserving food in various processed forms.

They added that long-term expansion and sustainability in the agricultural value chain could be achieved through innovation, collaboration and improved infrastructure.

Participants at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) pavilion told NAN that enhancing food security would also strengthen transregional and cross-border trade within Africa and globally.

Firo Elhassan-Kaka, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Laalfi Farms Nigeria Ltd., a fruits, seeds and vegetable-processing company based in Abuja, explained that dehydration and proper packaging help retain nutrients in food products.

According to her, producing dehydrated fruits and vegetables in different forms significantly reduces the high rate of post-harvest losses recorded across the country.

She added that dehydrated products not only have longer shelf lives but also make healthy eating more accessible and convenient.

NAN reports that Elhassan-Kaka’s firm showcased a variety of popular Nigerian fruits—such as pawpaw, oranges, pineapple, apple and coconut—alongside sesame seeds and their extracts.

Using mangoes as an example, she noted that during peak season, large quantities rot in markets, even though they could be processed to extend their shelf life from a few days to several months or even years.

“Unfortunately, the fruits are left to waste when they’re in season. So we came up with the idea to improve nutrition by making fruits and vegetables available all year round in very natural ways.

“We do not add additives or preservatives in our products, while supporting the small holder farmers who we work with in the rural communities.

“So that is the whole idea behind the products and to also make healthy eating accessible and convenient,” she said.

She explained that fruits and vegetables bought from the market often rot when not consumed quickly, whereas naturally preserved products offered consumers the convenience of eating them fresh and hygienic at any time.

She narrated how she started the business in her home before expanding and moving into a factory in 2017.

She said the trade fair provided her company an opportunity to showcase its products and educate Nigerians on the benefits of naturally preserved foods.

She noted that many consumers often questioned why they should eat dried fruits when fresh ones were available, adding that she usually reminded them that fresh produce was not accessible all year round.

She added that beyond preservation, some food recipes—such as yoghurts—required dried fruits to achieve the right consistency.

She further explained that preserved fruits could be eaten on the go, regardless of place or time, without concerns about washing or peeling, while still offering healthy snacking.

She highlighted challenges faced by small businesses in the country, including high power-generation costs and human-resource management.

She appealed to the Federal Government to address inadequate power supply.

Elhassan-Kaka commended the federal government’s efforts to support small businesses through various institutions, including the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), which facilitated her participation at the fair.

She noted that her presence at the trade fair was made possible through ECOWAS in collaboration with NEPC,

She added that although government support exists, much more needed to be done, especially regarding power, as processing and industrial operations cannot function effectively without it.

She expressed satisfaction with the high patronage recorded at the fair and commended ECOWAS for providing excellent logistics that enhanced networking and trade collaboration.

Fatoumata Njie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yaxare Company Ltd., a tea-producing firm from The Gambia, also spoke to NAN.

According to her, her company packages 11 varieties of teas made from common herbs consumed daily in her country.

She said she transformed these herbs into ready-made tea bags to extend their health benefits globally.

Njie added that packaging helped keep seasonal herbs fresh and hygienic, thereby providing healthy consumption year-round.

She stated that she founded the company in 2019 and had since been selling and exporting its products.

Njie described the exhibition as her first visit to Nigeria and said she had already established contacts with Nigerian suppliers to explore expanding her brand using the country’s herbs, spices and roots.

Gladys Cobbina, Managing Director of Sheenah Naturals, an eco-friendly natural skincare and hair-care producer from Ghana, also spoke to NAN.

According to her, her company uses extracts from foods, fruits and vegetables.

She said she processes African oils into concentrates suitable for beauty care as well as for consecration during worship.

She listed some of the oils used, including shea butter, coconut oil, baobab oil and carrot oil.

NAN reports that the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair, organised by LCCI, provided a platform for local and international exhibitors to showcase innovations, strengthen business linkages and promote sustainable trade relations.