ADB Challenge to enhance Post-Harvest Processing (Micronesia)

The lack of appropriate technology to process, preserve, and add value to agriculture products and to develop as a sustainable business is a significant challenge in the FSM, especially in the outer islands which affects food security, food hygiene & livelihood resilience.

The islands of Federal State of Micronesia (FSM), particularly in the Pohnpei state, are rich in agricultural products such as taro, breadfruit, and coconut which are abandoned in favor of imported substitutes. However, the income potential from these traditional crops is not fully realized due to a lack of clean energy and appropriate technologies for post-harvest processing and export.

Technology Innovative Challenge invites agricultural professionals and innovative Agri-Tech providers to join their effort to improve FSM islander’s livelihood resilience, food security and food safety by using clean energy powered innovative food processing technologies.

Objectives and Outcomes

• In the Challenge, Clean Energy Solution to Enhance Post-Harvest Processing expected objectives and outcomes are:
  • Enhance the quality of processed food and reduce wastage by transitioning from manual processes and natural drying methods to more reliable and efficient processing technologies.
  • Revitalize abandoned agricultural fields impacted by climate change and market substitutes availability (e.g., rice). This will help restore and diversify local food production.
  • Ensure that food processing, packaging, and preservation techniques meet the required food safety and quality standards. This will allow the products to reach a wider range of domestic and export markets.
  • Empower women-led Agri-based enterprises by providing them with access to clean energy-powered processing solutions. This will improve their ability to manage post-harvest operations and increase their participation in the local and regional value chains.
  • Develop replicable and scalable business models that can be adopted by other island communities, thereby enhancing food security, livelihood resilience, and sustainable economic development across the region.
• The holistic goal of this challenge is to improve food security, food hygiene, and the livelihood resilience of islanders.

What you will get?

• Win up to US$300,000 in grant funding to implement your innovative solution.

Eligibility Criteria

• Geographic scope: The project must be implemented in the Federated States of Micronesia, focusing on the two outer islands: Mwoakillo and Pingelap in the state of Pohnpei.
• Financing requirements: The Applicant must co-finance at least 10% of the total project cost via their own resources or from other funders. Their contribution can be cash or in-kind (for example, travel or staff time).
• Type of applicants: The following type of entities can apply:
  • Companies
  • Not-for-profit organisations
  • Civil society organisations
  • Research institutions
  • Government-owned enterprises (must be legally and financially autonomous of the government in the implementation country)

For more information, visit ADB.