Postharvest losses in mango supply chains: an analysis of practices, technologies, and multi-level actors’ roles

ABSTRACT Background Postharvest losses (PHLs) in mangoes remain a major barrier to food security, marketability, and farmer livelihoods, particularly in developing countries where losses can reach 50%. These losses arise from complex interactions among technical and managerial factors throughout the supply chain. Scope and approach This review adopts a techno-managerial, multi-level systems perspective to examine the determinants of PHLs, postharvest practices, mitigation technologies, and the roles of micro- (farmers, wholesalers, retailers, consumers), meso- (trade associations, NGOs, researchers), and macro-level actors (government and regulatory bodies) in mitigating PHLs. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify where PHLs occur along mango supply chains, assess handling practices and technologies that influence PHLs, and characterise actor roles across system levels. Key findings and conclusion The review revealed that higher losses are typically observed at the farm level. However, direct comparisons of reported losses remain problematic because of variabilities in sampling methods and measurement protocols. Mechanical injury, aggravated by non-selective harvesting, poor handling, and inadequate packaging, is the primary cause of losses. Technologies ranging from simple quality assessment tools to advanced non-destructive monitoring systems can mitigate these losses. The analysis of the mango supply chain from a multi-level system perspective revealed that mango postharvest losses are affected not only by micro-level actors but also by meso- and macro-level actors. They support regulatory frameworks, and resources are essential to improving postharvest performance. A comprehensive understanding of these actor networks is necessary to develop targeted, sustainable strategies to minimise PHLs across mango supply chains.