POSTHARVEST FARM PRODUCE HANDLING IN NIGERIA AND ITS IMPLICATION

Abstract

Poor handling of agricultural products in Nigeria leads to post-harvest losses that hamper food security, farmers' livelihoods and economic growth and development. This study evaluates the trends associated with post-harvest losses in crops (maize, cowpea, cassava and tomato) and livestock products (cattle, milk, layers and broilers) in Nigeria from 2022 to 2024. The information was collected from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) reports of the Annual Agricultural Performance Survey (APS). The data collected were subjected to chi-square and ANOVA analysis. The results obtained revealed that post-harvest losses are quite high varying from 15% to over 40%. Poor road networks, poor electricity supply, inadequate storage facilities, and security concerns are some of the leading factors responsible for the losses. Some improvements were recorded for cassava, cowpea, and tomato crops, especially with the decline in cassava losses at an estimated average rate of 5.5% per year. The economic evaluation indicated that these losses had a significant impact, as farmers earned more income of up to ₦105,000 per 
hectare in tomatoes and ₦85,800 in cassava each year. However, consistent insecurity, low adoption of modern technologies, high price of inputs and processing equipment hinders this impact. This study recommends that specific measures be taken to address the menace faced by each commodity (storage facilities and processing equipment). There is also the need for improving the rural infrastructure and establishing a system to record and monitor for post harvest loss in Nigeria.