WOMEN FARMERS AND POSTHARVEST LOSSES: A STUDY OF TECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN TARKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.
Keywords:
Determinants, Farmers, Postharvest Losses, Pumpkin Vegetables, TomatoesAbstract
Post-harvest losses have been identified as one of the determinants and major causes of food shortage problem in Nigeria. Tomatoes and pumpkin vegetables often record great amount of produce loss which translates to waste of resources, reduction in income and welfare. This paper examined the determinants of postharvest losses of tomato and pumpkin vegetables among women farmers in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The utility maximization theory served as the theoretical framework. Survey research design was adopted and the sample size was 279 registered women farmers/dealers. Data were generated through questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, mean scores, percentage and multiple regression analysis were used in data analysis. The findings revealed among others that age, farming/marketing experience, education, marital status and number of dependants were significant socio-economic factors influencing postharvest losses at (F=31.457; p>.05). Technical factors such as lack of cold storage facilities, use of wooden crates and woven baskets with sharp surfaces, lack of processing factories, vehicle heat on transit, inappropriate storage/preservative facilities, lumping of leaves, insufficient large daily markets, and environmental factors such as excessive field heat, lack of access roads to farm/market and insufficient large daily markets were found to be significant at (F=29.054; p>.05). However, the study concluded that until these influencing factors are adequately controlled and excess loss of the products curtailed, farmers’ income and livelihood opportunities may not be reasonably improved. It was recommended among others that Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA) should embark on enlightenment programme on tomato and pumpkin vegetable postharvest handling and control techniques to help reduce spoilage or losses.
