Researcher uses science to create sustainable food future

By Michelle van der Spuy  

The University of Johannesburg’s prof. Olaniyi Fawole has been nominated in two categories of the NSTF-South32 Awards.

Fawole holds the research chair at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) department of science, technology and innovation, as well as the National Research Foundation’s South African Research Chair Initiative for Sustainable Conservation and Agroprocessing Research.

He is the founding director of UJ’s Research Centre for Postharvest and Agroprocessing. He is also an Extraordinary Professor at Stellenbosch University (SU) and a Visiting Professor at the University of Bari Aldo in Italy.

Fawole was for the TW Kambul-NSTF Award (Researcher) as well as the new NSTF-Agricultural Research Council Award. Fawole was nominated for his important research on sustainable postharvest technology and agroprocessing, which promotes both food security and the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

1. What is your research about?

My research focuses on reducing postharvest losses, advancing agroprocessing innovations, and valorising agrowaste to create a sustainable food future.

As the Director of the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC) and holder of the National Research Foundation’s South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research at the UJ, I lead a multidisciplinary team working to improve the shelf life, quality, and marketability of horticultural, indigenous, and medicinal food crops.

Our integrated bioeconomy approach is designed around three core pillars: postharvest quality preservation, agroprocessing and product innovation, and bioresource valorisation for multiple applications. We work on developing bio-based edible coatings, low-energy drying technologies, food powder processing, and nanotechnology-infused packaging materials, all aimed at maintaining food quality and extending shelf life in cost-effective, eco-friendly ways. We also map food loss across the value chain, apply machine learning in postharvest modelling, and evaluate the environmental footprint of postharvest systems to guide climate-resilient practices.

A key principle guiding our work is: If we cannot keep it fresh, we must stabilise it and add value to it. And if it goes to waste, we must valorise the waste and use it as a feedstock for multiple applications.

This philosophy underpins our innovations, from transforming waste into functional ingredients (e.g., colourants, biostimulants, and natural antimicrobials) to using indigenous plant materials in encapsulation and nanomaterial synthesis.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that no produce is wasted, and every stage of the postharvest chain, from farm to fork, offers a chance for value addition, sustainability, and impact. Our research is deeply aligned with the sustainable developments goals and contributes directly to improving food and nutrition security, rural livelihoods, and climate-smart agriculture across Africa.

2. What initially made you interested in this topic?

My early academic path began in botany, but I quickly became passionate about applying plant science to real-world challenges, particularly in food preservation and nutrition.

The first time I heard about postharvest science was when the SARChI chair in postharvest technology was awarded to Prof. U.L. Opara (my PhD supervisor and mentor) and became operational in 2010. That exposure was a turning point. I recognised both the societal relevance and scientific potential of the field, so much so that I made the bold decision to discontinue my first PhD program and redirect my research to postharvest science and technology.

What drew me in was the glaring problem of food loss across Africa, where up to 50% of fresh produce is wasted due to poor handling, inadequate storage, and lack of affordable preservation options, essentially inefficiencies along the value chain. This is not just an agricultural problem, but a nutritional, economic, and environmental challenge.

I later discovered that food loss and waste are responsible for nearly 8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. I became motivated by the potential to improve food quality and shelf life and the opportunity to advance sustainable solutions. 

Postharvest science is still a scarce skill area in South Africa and much of Africa, with very few trained professionals. This further strengthened my resolve to advocate for and contribute meaningfully to the field and help train a critical mass of researchers. 

3. What is your research’s most important contribution to the agricultural sector?

My research provides targeted, practical solutions to long-standing challenges in the postharvest and agroprocessing segments of agriculture, areas often underprioritised despite their central role in food security, sustainability, and economic growth.

By developing affordable, eco-friendly, and scalable preservation technologies, such as bio-based edible coatings, energy-efficient freeze-drying protocols, and nanotechnology-infused packaging, my work has shown strong potential in reducing postharvest losses and improving the quality and marketability of horticultural produce.

These innovations are being piloted in both commercial packhouses and small-scale agro-enterprises, offering practical tools to reduce spoilage, extend shelf life, and create new income-generating opportunities.

A major milestone in this work has been the successful attraction of international funding to influence and transform the local agri-food industry.

Through the £224 000 African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AAKTP) grant funded by Innovate UK, we collaborated with Sonlia Vrugte Pakhuis (Pty) Ltd, the largest pomegranate packhouse in South Africa, and the University of Lincoln (UK) to develop and pilot sustainable postharvest innovations tailored to industry needs.

This initiative contributes to building South Africa’s agricultural knowledge economy by translating advanced academic research into industrial applications. 

Beyond this, our ongoing collaboration with the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, the largest in Africa, focuses on improving postharvest handling, enhancing food quality management systems, and designing waste reduction strategies. These interventions support national efforts to strengthen food system resilience and supply chain efficiency, particularly in urban food distribution.

We have also extended our innovations to smallholder operations, including a berry farm and an organic pomegranate farm, where we provide freeze-drying services and skills transfer to promote local agroprocessing. With support from the Technology Transfer Office at the University of Johannesburg, we have developed a range of market-ready dried products that demonstrate the commercial viability of sustainable preservation methods.

Equally important is our investment in human capital development. Through the SARChI chair and the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC) at the University of Johannesburg, I have led the training of a critical mass of postgraduate students in this scarce-skills area. Many of these students come from historically disadvantaged communities and are now contributing to academia. This inclusive approach to capacity building is helping to ensure the long-term sustainability and transformation of South Africa’s innovation landscape.

Finally, our work has also contributed to shaping policy and guiding best practices in postharvest management across developing countries. I served as one of the editors of the 2024 FAO publication titled Post-harvest Management: Bridging Gaps and Embracing Innovations, published in Rome. This 118-page book supports ongoing global initiatives aimed at reducing postharvest losses by promoting capacity development, knowledge sharing, and climate-resilient innovations. It addresses critical issues including gender inclusion, agribusiness support, and sustainable practices, and provides practical recommendations for extension staff, NGOs, CBOs, and policymakers.

I currently serve as the co-chair of the Technical Committee for the All Africa Postharvest Congress and Exhibition (AAPHCE), the continent’s premier forum on postharvest management, hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC). This strategic platform brings together policymakers, scientists, agribusiness leaders, and development stakeholders to influence investment priorities, policy frameworks, and innovation pathways for reducing food loss and waste across Africa.

My leadership in this congress has helped shape sector-wide dialogue, elevate the visibility of science-based solutions, and catalyse cross-sectoral partnerships. These engagements are driving measurable impact in strengthening regional value chains, informing postharvest strategies in national agricultural plans, and positioning food loss and waste reduction as a critical pillar for Africa’s food security and industrial development.

4. What unexpected issues did your research reveal? Were you able to find solutions for them?

One unexpected challenge my research revealed is the widespread disconnect between scientific innovation and its translation into usable technologies for the postharvest sector, particularly among smallholder farmers and agro-enterprises in Africa. Despite the availability of research outputs, many solutions were not being adopted due to limited accessibility, lack of tailored training, or absence of enabling policy frameworks. To address this, we embedded a strong translational component in our work; co-developing technologies with industry partners, providing hands-on training for end-users, and actively engaging policymakers through platforms such as the All Africa Postharvest Congress and Exhibition, Africa’s largest postharvest convening hosted by the African Union Commission.

A critical intervention has been the integration of techno-economic assessments into our research to demonstrate the cost-benefit and scalability of technologies we develop.

By quantifying the economic viability of innovations such as edible coatings, freeze-drying systems, and valorisation processes, we are providing industry stakeholders and smallholder cooperatives with the evidence they need to make informed investment and adoption decisions. This approach has begun to influence how technologies are evaluated and promoted within the sector, moving beyond efficacy alone to economic common sense.

We also uncovered the undervaluation of agro-waste and its missed potential in circular food systems. Initially perceived as a disposal burden, agro-waste is now being valorised in our work into biodegradable films, natural preservatives, and antimicrobial agents. This shift has created potential for new income streams for agro-enterprises and enhanced environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, I identified a substantial capacity gap in postharvest science—a scarce-skills area with limited expertise on the continent. Thankfully, I applied for and was awarded a SARChI chair in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research, with a mandate to develop a critical mass of postgraduate students in this field. Through this platform, I have been able to train and mentor a new generation of scientists, many from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

5. What do you do to remain curious and creative as a researcher, especially when things don’t go according to plan or progress is slow?

Maintaining curiosity and creativity as a researcher, especially when things do not go according to plan, is deeply rooted in the environment and people I work with. I am fortunate to lead a large cohort of highly motivated postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows whose energy, questions, and progress continually inspire me. My team keeps me going. Their dedication to solving real-world problems and their hunger for knowledge create a dynamic and stimulating research environment that drives innovation, even in the face of delays or setbacks.

I also remain actively engaged with colleagues through national and international meetings, workshops, and collaborative platforms. These engagements expose me to new ideas and technologies, offer fresh perspectives on challenges, and help identify opportunities for joint projects, funding, and staff or student exchanges. They also remind me that we are part of a global scientific community striving for better solutions.

When progress is slow, I use that time to reflect, rethink strategies, and draw lessons from others. Ultimately, the support and collaboration of my team, combined with our collective commitment to making a difference, keep the spirit of innovation alive.