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Africa’s agricultural resources hold immense potential to transform local economies, reduce food waste, and enhance food security. However, post-harvest losses and inadequate processing facilities continue to impact food quality, accessibility, and market potential. The Professional Diploma in Food Processing and Post-Harvest Management is a comprehensive program designed to equip professionals with the skills, technical knowledge, and operational expertise required to revolutionize Africa’s food processing sector. This unique program focuses on the entire post-harvest value chain, covering processing of various food types, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and tapping into high-impact enterprise opportunities.
This diploma program offers a dynamic balance between technical mastery and operational skills. It empowers you to optimize food quality, reduce waste, and develop high-value food products that meet local and international standards. Whether you are a new entrepreneur, a technical professional, or an agribusiness enthusiast, this diploma will open doors to innovation and profitability in food processing and post-harvest management.
Upon completing this diploma, participants will earn a Professional Diploma in Food Processing and Post-Harvest Management from the Nigerian College of Agribusiness, recognized for excellence in technical agribusiness training.
In this foundational module, participants will gain an understanding of the importance of food processing in enhancing food quality, value, and shelf-life. They will explore the economic and social impacts of food processing and post-harvest management, particularly in an African context, and examine major challenges and opportunities.
Key Activities in Module 1:
This module covers the technical aspects of processing and preserving fruits and vegetables, which are highly perishable yet nutrient-dense. Participants will learn methods for extending the shelf-life of these foods, reducing waste, and creating value-added products like jams, juices, and dehydrated items.
Key Activities in Module 2
In this module, participants will explore the processing of staple grains, including maize, rice, millet, and sorghum. They will learn the specifics of milling, storage, and packaging, as well as grain fortification processes that enhance nutritional value.
Key Activities in Module 3
Root crops like cassava, yams, and potatoes are essential to African diets. This module covers the technical aspects of processing these starchy staples, including drying, fermenting, and converting them into various food products.
Key Activities in Module 4
a. Methods for processing, fermenting, and drying root crops to create flour, chips, and other products.
b. Post-harvest handling and storage practices that maintain quality and reduce spoilage.
c. Techniques for producing high-demand products, such as garri, starch, and flour, and an exploration of related market opportunities.
In this module, participants will dive into the processing of animal protein sources, with an emphasis on African-specific practices and standards. The course covers preservation techniques, storage, and packaging that enhance the safety, quality, and marketability of meat and fish.
Key Activities in Module 5
This critical module emphasizes the importance of quality assurance, food safety, and compliance with certifications and standards. Participants will learn the dynamics of maintaining food safety across processing stages, ensuring that products meet both local and international standards.
Key Activities in Module 6
In this module, participants will explore modern packaging and preservation methods that ensure product longevity, appeal, and safety. This module covers packaging techniques that enhance shelf life, prevent contamination, and meet consumer preferences.
Key Activities in Module 7:
This module is designed to help participants to recognize and tap into the business potential within the food processing and post-harvest sectors. With a focus on Africa’s market needs, this module covers emerging trends, enterprise models, and business planning.
Key Activities in Module 8
Participants will learn about the latest technological advancements in food processing, from automation in packaging lines to innovations in food quality testing. This module provides insights into technology-driven efficiencies that can streamline operations and enhance productivity.
Key Activities in Module 9
By the end of this diploma, participants will be able to:
The Nigerian College of Agribusiness has about 60 faculty members—distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and mentors, with more being hired each year as we open new, progressive, and unique programs. But the story is not just in the numbers. Each year, as we launch innovative and unique programs, our faculty continues to grow, bringing in fresh perspectives and expertise. At NCA, you will learn directly from these award-winning faculty members in small classes where you will have easy access to them.
Some of the faculty members on the Professional Diploma in Food Processing and Post Harvest Management:
Dr. Oluwole is a highly respected food technologist with over 25 years of pioneering research in food processing, preservation, and value-added product development. She has spearheaded the transformation of agricultural products like cassava, cocoyam, yam, bambara groundnut, sweet potato, date, watermelon, maize, sorghum, and soybeans into innovative, market-ready food solutions. With a PhD in Food Technology from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr. Bolanle currently serves as Director of Food Processing at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research in Lagos, where she leads a dynamic team of over 40 research scientists, two scientific officers, and seven technologists. Under her guidance, the department actively advances at least 12 ongoing research and development projects. She has more than 33 peer-reviewed publications and contributions to multiple book chapters. She has extensive experience in functional food product development and strong commitment to enhancing nutrition security in Africa.
Abayomi Owoeye is a seasoned expert in food processing, plant engineering, and post-harvest management, with over two decades of experience in the agri-food industry. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Anutech Nigeria, Abayomi oversees the end-to-end operations of cassava production, from planting to processing and sales, ensuring product quality and efficient market reach. His extensive background includes leadership roles as Factory Manager at Psaltry International Company Limited, a leading cassava processing company, and Plant Engineer at Nestlé Nigeria PLC, where he was instrumental in plant asset maintenance, budget management, and capital investment planning and as Instrumentation Engineer at Dangote Sugar Refinery. As a Faculty, Abayomi brings technical expertise in food processing and operational management. He has a Masters in Project Management from University of Lagos and an MBA from Obafemi Awowolo University, Ile-Ife
Dr. Ijeoma Nwaukwu is a Scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Jos, with a strong research background in Mycology, Plant Pathology, Biotechnology, and Molecular Biology. Her work is driven by a commitment to food safety and innovative approaches to minimize pre-harvest and post-harvest losses, aiming to reduce hunger and food waste. With a PhD in Mycology and Plant Pathology from the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Nwaukwu applies cutting-edge technologies in her research to address critical issues in food preservation and pathogen control.
She brings her expertise in advancing food safety solutions to the faculty team of the Professional Diploma in Food Processing and Post-Harvest Management, where she guides students in applying scientific principles and modern technology to enhance food quality and reduce losses across the supply chain.
| LECTURE DAYS | COURSE TITLE | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Mondays | Risk Management in Arable Crop Farms | 8-10PM |
| Tuesdays | Strategic Business Planning for Arable Crops | 8-10PM |
| Wednesdays | Farm Supply Chain and Logistics Management | 8-10PM |
| Thursdays | Sustainable Farms and Climate Smart Agriculture | 8-10PM |
| Fridays | Strategic Market Development for Farm Produce | 8-10PM |
| Saturdays | Financial Management for Arable Crop Farms | 8-10PM |
Note: This Timetable and Lecturer’s Course Allocation can be modified from time to time.
No other institution in Africa offers such a comprehensive approach to agribusiness and development sector education as the Nigerian College of Agribusiness. We provide a unique blend of academic rigor, practical expertise, and industry connections. Here, you will learn from experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields and deeply engaged with the latest advancements in their industries. We leverage interdisciplinary knowledge and the latest research to enhance our programs, ensuring they are relevant and impactful. At NCA, you will continuously engage with thought leaders who are constantly shaping the dynamics of their industries and after graduation, you will be a life-long member of a vibrant alumni community that continually foster cross-disciplinary learning and networking.
Local Students: N300,000
International Students: $400
25th November, 2024
Deadline for application
submission ( November 23)
We seek highly motivated individuals who have demonstrated the potential to excel in a rigorous, integrated program. The admission requirements for the Professional Diploma in Food Processing and Post Harvest Management are as follows:
Applications for the Professional Diploma in Food Processing and Post Harvest Management must be submitted by November 23, 2024, to secure a spot for the November 25, 2024, start date.
To apply for this program, please complete and submit the application form below.
| Contact Us | |
|---|---|
| Nigeria Head, Mini MBA Programs Nigerian College of Agribusiness 10, Bisi Akande Rd, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan Plot 502, Dalaba Crescent, Zone 5, Abuja | Email: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: 09023789104 (Local) +2349023789104 (International) |
| South Africa Representative Destiny Smart Durban, South Africa | Tel/WhatsApp: +27844117039 |
| Uganda Representative Mark Andrew Kampala, Uganda | Tel/WhatsApp: +256 701 9777 11 |
| Zimbabwe Representative Biriwasha Masimba Harare, Zimbabwe | Tel/WhatsApp: +256 784 121 347 |
| South Sudan Representative Cinya Robert Rufino Juba, South Sudan | Tel/Whatsapp: +256 784 121 347 |
Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable and profitable agribusiness sector that drives economic growth and social progress across Africa and beyond.
We are committed towards educating a new generation of agribusiness sector leaders that will transform the economic fortunes of the African continent
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