This study investigated the economics of post-harvest losses among tomato farmers in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents for this study. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Likert method and ordinary least square regression model; were analytical techniques employed. The result revealed that 62% of the respondents were males, 72% are married. The mean age was 42 years. Most (38%) attained primary education, 48% had a household size with population of 1-5 people. The mean year of experience was 17 years. Most (78%) used woven baskets in packaging their produce. The prevalent improved post-harvest techniques were; appropriate harvesting techniques (2.79), improved drying techniques (2.69) and improved processing technology (2.62) as indicated by their significant mean scores. The estimated value of tomato post-harvest loss per 50kg was 27.5%. Thus, estimated gross margin were ₦5,400 (without loss) and ₦3,910 (with loss) respectively. The coefficients of farming experience (-0.421), distance to markets (0.413), age of fruit at harvest (0.519), quantity of fruits harvested (0.387) and post-harvest practices (-0.396) were statistically significant at 5% level. The estimated coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.795, suggesting that 79% of post-harvest losses were attributable to the variables in the regression model. The constraints identified affected tomato post-harvest loss reduction. Adoption of improved post-harvest techniques, storage and processing facilities, provision of improved market linkages and access to agricultural credit, extension contact and formation of producer cooperatives are strongly recommended for reduced wastages.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Problem statement
Objectives of the study
Hypothesis of the study
Justification of the Study
Scope of the Study
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Tomato as a Staple Fruit Vegetable
Challenges Confronting Tomato Production in Nigeria
Determinants of Post-Harvest Losses in Tomato
Causes of Post-Harvesting Losses in Tomatoes
On-Farm Causes of Post-Harvest Losses
Off-Farm Causes of Post-harvest Tosses in Tomatoes
Post-Harvest Strategies
Challenges to Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Study Area
Sources of Data Collection
Sample Size and Sampling Technique
Analytical Techniques
Model Specification
Likert scale method
Gross margin analysis
Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression Model
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents
Gender of respondents
Age of the respondents
Marital status of the respondents.
Educational level
House hold size of respondents
Years of experience
Source of capital
Extension Contact
Mode of transportation
Packaging materials used by the respondents
Perception of improved post-harvest techniques
Effect of post-harvest loss on farmers income
Factors influencing tomato post-harvest losses
Constraints to post-harvest loss reduction
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
Conclusion
Recommendation
Objectives and Research Focus
This study aims to investigate the economics of post-harvest losses among tomato farmers in the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, by analyzing socio-economic characteristics, farmer perceptions of improved techniques, income impacts, influencing factors, and existing constraints.
- Socio-economic profiling of tomato farmers.
- Measurement of farmer perception regarding improved post-harvest technologies.
- Economic impact analysis of post-harvest losses on farm income.
- Identification of determinants influencing the magnitude of tomato post-harvest losses.
- Assessment of constraints limiting the reduction of post-harvest waste.
Excerpt from the Book
Lack of Appropriate Harvesting Containers
Tomatoes are harvested by manual picking instead of mechanical picking in most developing countries. In. harvesting, care should be taken to avoid mechanical damage which can be an entry point for disease causing pathogens. The majority of farmers from Nigeria use wooden crates and woven baskets with hard and sharp surfaces which cause mechanical injuries to the harvested fruits. Overloading during harvesting can cause a buildup of excessive compressive stresses resulting in crushing of fruits that are found at the base of the containers (Hurst, 2010). The use of smooth surface and shallow containers that will prevent overloading will reduce both mechanical injuries and crushing of the harvested fruits. Kitinoja (2008) has therefore recommended the use of plastic basket for harvesting tomatoes.
Chapter Summary
CHAPTER ONE: Provides an overview of the significance of tomato production, discusses the problem of high post-harvest losses in Nigeria, and outlines the research objectives and scope.
CHAPTER TWO: Reviews literature on tomato as a staple vegetable, examines specific production and post-harvest challenges, and details causes of losses on and off the farm.
CHAPTER THREE: Details the methodology, including the study area, sampling techniques, data collection, and analytical models such as the Likert scale and OLS regression.
CHAPTER FOUR: Presents the results of the socio-economic analysis, farmers' perceptions, and the regression model determining the factors influencing post-harvest losses.
CHAPTER FIVE: Summarizes the study findings, draws conclusions regarding the impact of post-harvest losses, and provides policy recommendations for stakeholders.
Keywords
Constraints, determinants of post-harvest loss, farmer perceptions, post harvest techniques, vegetable crop, tomato production, Nigeria, agricultural economics, post-harvest losses, socio-economic characteristics, OLS regression, gross margin analysis, farm income, harvest management, tomato value chain
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this study?
The study investigates the economic implications and causes of post-harvest losses for tomato farmers in the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.
What are the primary themes explored?
The research examines the relationship between farmer socio-economic characteristics and post-harvest losses, the effectiveness of current packaging and storage methods, and the impact of these losses on farmers' net income.
What is the main objective of the research?
The broad objective is to analyze post-harvest losses along the tomato value chain to identify key determinants and suggest strategies for reduction.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The study employs descriptive statistics, a 3-point Likert scale for perception analysis, gross margin analysis for income estimation, and an Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model to determine influencing factors.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers a literature review of tomato production, a detailed methodological framework, results regarding farmer demographics, an assessment of packaging and transport techniques, and an analysis of obstacles to loss reduction.
Which keywords characterize this research?
Key terms include post-harvest loss, tomato production, value chain analysis, Barkin-Ladi, farmer perception, and socio-economic determinants.
Why are woven baskets often cited as a challenge in this study?
Woven baskets, while cheap and providing aeration, are identified as causing mechanical injuries and crushing of tomatoes due to their sharp surfaces and tendency to be overloaded, which significantly contributes to post-harvest deterioration.
What does the OLS regression analysis reveal about experience and loss?
The regression model shows that years of farming experience have a negative and statistically significant relationship with post-harvest losses, indicating that more experienced farmers are better equipped to mitigate such losses.
How does market distance affect post-harvest losses?
The analysis indicates a positive and statistically significant coefficient for distance, meaning that as the distance to the nearest market increases, the quantity of post-harvest loss also increases.
What is the recommended solution for financial constraints?
The study recommends that financial institutions provide affordable financial support for marketing chain activities and that the formation of producer cooperatives be encouraged to better access inputs and subsidies.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Godfrey Onuwa (Autor:in), 2020, Mitigating Tomato post-harvest Losses. Participation Responses to recommended Technology, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/982805
