Reducing food waste is the best way to reduce poverty in Africa, the International Agri-Technology Centre claims.

As much as 60% of food is wasted in the supply chain post-harvest and reducing that must be a priority, said IATC director Philippa David.

The IATC is lobbying the UN for cash to pay research bodies to go to Africa and share best practice with producer organisations.

"We don't need to produce more food, just to waste less," she said. "We want to share technology and best practice, and empower African producers to do things for themselves."