DRIVERS OF POST-HARVEST LOSSES AT FARM GATE

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DRIVERS OF POST-HARVEST LOSSES AT FARM GATE

Abstract

This study analysed the causes of post-harvest losses in farm produce marketing in selected markets in Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used for sample selection in the study area. The first stage involved purposive selection of three major markets notable for farm produce marketing. The second stage was based on random selection of 30% of the traders from each of the markets targeting total of 124 farm produce marketers, 100 retailers and 24 whole sellers. Data for the study was analyzed using descriptive statistics, The result of the socio economics characteristics revealed that age of farm produce retailers in the study area was found to fall between 23 and 69 years, and that of wholesalers falls between 36 and 69, which is economically active age. The result on major causes of post-harvest losses revealed that poor market patronage, poor transportation facility, inadequate storage facility, poor storage facility, physical damage, inadequate management skill, pest and diseases and weather condition were the major causes of post-harvest losses. The strategies adopted by the marketers to reduced postharvest losses during farm produce marketing were through advertisement of the produce, good packaging and persuasion of customers.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Post-harvest loss has been a bane to food security in Nigeria. Even though increased yield has been found to be possible (Arowojolu, 2000). Post-harvest losses have prevented the effect of the increase to be felt on the income of the small-scale farmers. Aworh (2004) stated that the post-harvest losses of fruits run into billions of Naira annually, while Khang (2003) opined that the losses not only affect output but reduce farmers’ income all over the world. Post-harvest losses are much higher for highly perishable fresh fruits, vegetables than for cereals and other field crops. Fresh commodities have individual requirement with respect to temperature and other factors that must be provided for during the marketing process.

Farm produce fruit production as an important part in horticultural industry has emerged as a major economic activity in developing countries, especially those which were hitherto heavily dependent on agricultural production, often at subsistence levels. Horticultural producers in developing countries are mostly small farmers, and they are rarely organized into a formal cooperative or association. It is estimated that 10 to 20% of all farmers are producers of horticultural crops, sometimes in combination or rotation with field crops (FAO, 2010). Despite of economic importance, horticultural crops including farm produce fruits are important sources of plant nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are essential for human health and well-being, particularly for children and pregnant or nursing women (WFLO, 2010).

Post-harvest losses in tropical fruits vary widely from 10 percent to 80 percent in both developed and developing countries (FAO, 2006). These losses occur all along the supply chain, beginning from the time of harvesting right up to packing, storage, transportation retailing and consumption (WFLO, 2010). In most developing countries, this is mainly due to the combination of poor infrastructures and logistics, poor farm practices, lack of postharvest handling knowledge and a convoluted marketing system (Kitinoja (2002), Ray FAO, 2006) and Ravi (2005) and WFLO (2010) observed that 40 to 50 percent of horticultural crops which includes, fruits and vegetables are lost before they reach consumers. Main reason for waste is due to high rates of bruising, water loss and subsequent decay during postharvest handling (WFLO, 2010).

1.2 Statement of the problem

The unavailability of large-scale processing factories that normally help preserve the surplus produced for future use to leaves farmers and traders with no option but to watch their produce go waste any time there is no ready market. These scenarios are most obviously diminishing the fortunes of farm produce farmers and marketers at the same time when foreign producers are indirectly financed by the government of Nigeria and businesspersons through the importation of fruits products from the foreign market (Anthony, 2011) these losses can therefore lead to decrease in the returns of the marketers and the farmers. It is against this background this study was design to address the following objective;

1.3 Objective of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine the economics of post-harvest losses in farm produce marketing among the respondents. The specific objectives are to;

1) Describe the socio economic characteristics of farm produce marketers.

2) Ascertained the causes of post-harvest losses of farm produce at the course of marketing

3) Describe the methods used by farm produce marketers to reduce

1.4 Research Questions

1) What are the socio economic characteristics of farm produce marketers.

2) What are the causes of post-harvest losses of farm produce at the course of marketing

3) What are the methods used by farm produce marketers to reduce

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H0: Post harvest losses does not have a significant effect on agricultural productivity

H1: Post harvest losses does not have a significant effect on agricultural productivity

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