MITIGATING POSTHARVEST LOSSES IN CUCUMBER PRODUCTION: X-RAYING THE CAUSES, DRIVERS, AND COPING MECHANISMS AMONG SMALLHOLDERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46545/aijas.v9i1.320Keywords:
Postharvest Losses, Mitigation, Pest, Economic Loss, Food Insecurity, Cucumber.Abstract
Food losses resulting from poor post-harvest management hamper achieving the sustainable development goal of zero hunger and improved food security in most developing countries. There is thus a need to understand the underlying causes and factors influencing postharvest losses among farmers to reduce postharvest losses. The study examined the primary and secondary causes of postharvest losses, the extent of postharvest losses, the drivers, and the mitigation strategies. A multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 200 respondents. Primary data was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square regression. The results of the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers indicated that the majority (54.0%) were female, with mean age, education, household size, and monthly income of 45.15 years, 11.88 years, six persons, and ₦129,400 ($180.57), respectively. The major primary and secondary causes of postharvest losses were pathogens and pests (89%) and poor road networks (x̄ = 4.5), respectively. About 41% reported a postharvest loss of between 21% and 50% of cucumber. The drivers of postharvest losses were off-farm income, harvest time after maturity, household size, the quantity of cucumber produced, and market distance. The major mitigation strategies devised by the respondents to reduce postharvest losses include timely harvesting, improved handling and transportation techniques, and adopting improved pest and disease management practices. The findings of this study suggest that improving road networks, especially those connecting farmers to the markets, would significantly reduce post-harvest losses.
JEL Classification Codes: Q1, Q12, Q13, Q18.
Downloads
References
Abdullah, F., Rabbi, F., Ahamad, R., Ali, S., Chandio, A. A., Ahmad, W., Ilyas, A., & Din, I. U. (2019). Determinants of commercialization and its impact on the welfare of smallholder rice farmers by using Heckman’s two-stage approach. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 18(2), 224–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssas.2017.06.001
Achoja, F. O., & Obadaya, O. (2019). Backyard orchard ownership: implications for rural poverty alleviation and food security management In Nigeria. KSU J. Agric. Nat. 22(2), 456-464. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.546913
Adeola, E. H. (2020). A Post-Harvest Management Practices among Rice Farmers in Imo State Nigeria. European Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 1(4), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejbio.2020.1.4.32
Adeoye, I., & Balogun, O. (2016). Profitability and efficiency of cucumber production among smallholder farmers in Oyo state, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Belgrade, 61, 387-398. https://doi.org/10.2298/JAS1604387A
Adepoju, A. O. (2014). Postharvest losses and welfare of tomato farmers in Ogbomosho, Osun state, Nigeria. Journal of stored product and postharvest research, 5(2), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.5897/JSPPR2014.0160.
Adewoyin, O., Ibidapo, A., Babatola, L., Fayose, F., Ekeocha, A., & Apata, T. (2022). Indigenous and Improved Post-harvest Handling Methods and Processing of Fruits. Intech Open. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102668
Aidoo, R., Danfoku, R. A., & Mensah, J. O. (2014). Determinants of postharvest losses in tomato production in the Offinso North District of Ghana. Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics, 6(8), 338-344. https://doi.org/10.5897/JDAE2013.0545
Akaagerger, N. B., Ngongiah, I. K., Tyovenda, A. A., Mbinkong, S. R., Songwe, K. B., & Chetgho, R. K. (2023). Postharvest shelf-life extension of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) using X-rays in Benue State, Nigeria. Algerian Journal of Engineering and Technology, 8(1), 36-42.
Akanwa, A. O., & Okoli, U. B. (2021). Climatic Risks on Fruit Quality, Health, and Livelihoods: A Nigerian Case of Rural Women in Fruit Farming Business. Sustainable Intensification for Agroecosystem Services and Management, 657-709. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3207-5_18
Akhtar, P., Ahmad, I., Jameela, A., Ashfaque, M., & Begum, Z. (2020). Energising effectiveness of cucumber (Khayarain) for health. A review article. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 7(11), 906–917. http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011118.pdf
Al-Amin, J. A., Suleiman, A. I., & Collins, E. E. (2021). Accelerating postharvest food loss reduction in Nigeria through developing a pilot-scale vacuum cooling and storage System. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 11(20), 13-31. https://doi.org/10.7176/JBAH/11-20-03
Aminu, F. O., Balogun, E. O. S., & Ojo, O. O. (2020). Analysis of post-harvest losses in orange in Lagos metropolitan markets, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science, 25(1), 143-151.
Anyoha, N. P. O., Udemba, C., Ogbonnaya, A., & Okoroma, E. (2023). Causes of Cassava Post-Harvest Losses among Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 27(2), 73-79. https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i2.7
Asadu, A. N., Ozioko, R. I., & Dimelu, M. U. (2018). Climate change information source and indigenous adaptation strategies of cucumber farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 22(2), 136-146. https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v22i2.12
Aysel, E., Yanik, D. K., Istanbullu, Y., Guzelsoy, N. A., Yavuz, A., & Gogus, F. (2019). Strategies to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses for Fruits and Vegetables. International Journal of Scientific and Technological Research, 5(3), 29-39,
Balana, B. B., Aghadi, N. C., & Ogunniyi, A. I. (2022). Improving livelihoods through postharvest loss management: evidence from Nigeria," Food Security: The Science, Sociology, and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer; The International Society for Plant Pathology, 14(1), 249-265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-021-01196-2
Chakraborty, S., & Rayalu, S. (2021). Health beneficial effects of cucumber. In book: Studies on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.960533
Chikez, H., Maier, D., Olafsson, S., & Sonka, S. (2023). Identifying the critical drivers of mango, tomato, and maize postharvest losses (PHL) in low-income countries and predicting their impact. Agriculture, 13(10), 1912. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13101912
Egwuonwu, H. A. (2020). Factors Influencing Post-harvest Losses among Vegetable Farmers in Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Imo State. Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research, 7(1), 22-28. https://doi.org/10.9734/AJAHR/2020/v7i130086
Elik, A., Yanik, D. K., Istanbullu, Y., Guzelsoy, N. A., Yavuz, A., & Gogus, F. (2019). Strategies to reduce post-harvest losses for fruits and vegetables. International Journal of Scientific and Technological Research, 5(3), 29-39.
Falola, A., Mukaila, R., Uddin-II, R. O., Ajewole, C. O., & Gbadebo, W. (2023). Postharvest losses in onion: Causes and determinants. KSÜ J. Agri Nat, 26(2), 346-354. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.1091225
FAO. (2019). The state of food and agriculture 2019: Moving forward on food loss and waste reduction. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Hodges, R. J., Buzby, J. C., & Bennett, B. (2011). Postharvest losses and waste in developed and less developed countries: Opportunities to improve resource use. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 149, 37–45. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0021859610000936
Ibrahim, H. I., Ibrahim, H. Y., Adeola, S. S., & Ojoko, E. A. (2022). Postharvest loss and food security: A case study of major food crops in Katsina State, Nigeria. FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, 8(1), 393-403.
Ishangulyyev, R., Kim, S., & Lee, S. H. (2019). Understanding Food Loss and Waste-Why Are We Losing and Wasting Food? Foods, 8(8), 297. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8080297
Kikulwe, E. M., Okurut, S., Ajambo, S., Nowakunda, K., Stoian, D., & Naziri, D. (2018). Postharvest losses and their determinants: A challenge to creating a sustainable cooking Banana value chain in Uganda. Sustainability, 10(7), 2381. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10072381
Kitinoja, L., Dandago, M. A., & Abdullahi, N. (2019a). Post-harvest loss assessment of maize (Zea mays) along its value chain in Nigeria. Journal of Stored Products and Post-harvest Research, 10(1), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.5897/JSPPR2018.0275
Kitinoja, L., Odeyemi, O., Dubey, N., Musanase, S., & Gill, G. (2019b). Commodity system assessment studies on the post-harvest handling and marketing of tomatoes in Nigeria, Rwanda and Maharashtra, India. Journal of Horticulture and Post-harvest Research, 2, 1-14. https://.doi.org/10.22077/jhpr.2019.2060.1040
Kulwijila, M. (2021). Socio-economic determinants of post-harvest losses in the grape value chain in Dodoma Municipality and Chamwino District, Tanzania. African Journal of Economic Review, 9(2), 288-305. https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.315802
Mlambo, S., Mvumi, B. M., Stathers, T. E., Mubayiwa, M., & Nyabako, T. (2017). Field efficacy of hermetic and other maize grain storage options under smallholder farm management. Crop Protection, 98, 198–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CROPRO2017. 04.001
National Population Commission. (2006). Population Figures of Enugu State’s L.G.A, Enugu State; www.npc.org.ng (Accessed on 20 February 2018).
Obanubi, M., Okoruwa, A., Morris, S., Nordhagen, S., Djimeu, W. E., & Yalch, T. (2021). Business opportunities to reduce post-harvest loss of nutritious foods: Modelling the return on investment of field-ready technologies in Nigeria. Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). Working Paper #16. Geneva, Switzerland, https://doi.org/10.36072/wp.16
Ogundele, F. (2022). Post-Harvest Losses and Food Security in Nigeria: An Empirical Review. African Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 5(3), 77-89, https://doi.org/10.52589/AJAFS-C0442Z7J
Okadonye, E. O., Idyorough, A. E., Lawrence, I. A. (2022). The Effects of Postharvest Losses of Rice on the Income of Rice Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State Nigeria. In book: Current Perspectives in Agriculture and Food Science, 1, 94–110. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cpafs/v1/5004A
Okafor, B. N., & Yaduma, J. J. (2021). Soil and Agronomic Management for Cucumber Production in Nigeria. In book: Studies on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96087
Okwuokenye, G. F., & Petu-Ibikunle, A. M. (2021). Assessment of adoption of agrochemicals by cucumber farmers in selected local government areas in Kaduna State, Nigeria. ADAN Journal of Agriculture, 2(1), 59-69. https://doi.org/10.36108/adanja/1202.20.0160
Onuwa, G. C., Alamanjo, C., & Wuyep, G. (2023). Analysis of profitability and cucumber productivity among smallholder farmers. Food and Agri Economics Review, 3(2), 40-43. https://doi.org/10.26480/faer.02.2023.40.43
Ozioko, R. I., Enwelu, I. A., Ukwuani, R. A., & Chiemela, V. N. (2019). Post-Harvest Losses among Tomato Farmers in Nsukka and Udi Local Government Areas of Enugu State, Nigeria. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria, 7-10 April, Abuja. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jae.v24i1.33S
Porciello, J., Tufan, H. A., Njuki, J., Winters, P., Mabaya, E., & Coffman, R. (2020). Averting hunger in sub-Saharan Africa requires data and synthesis. Nature, 584(7819), 37-40. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-02281-w
Sani, M. H., Kadau, R., Sani, R. M., & Danwanka, H. A. (2023). Analysis of Socio-Economic Characteristics and Post-Harvest Loss Storage Facilities Used by Vegetable Crops Value Chain Actors in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, 3(1), 210-229. https://doi.org/10.59331/njaat.v3i1.471
Sheahan, M., & Barrett, C. B. (2017). Review: Food loss and waste in sub-Saharan Africa. Food Policy, 70, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2017.03.012
Shee, A., Mayanja, S., Simba, E., Stathers, T., Bechoff, A., & Bennett, B. (2019). Determinants of postharvest losses along smallholder producers’ maize and sweet potato value chains: An ordered Probit analysis. Food Security, 11, 1101–1120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-019-00949-4
Sourav, D., Subhasis, B., & Sabyasachi, B. (2024). Managing postharvest losses of vegetables and fruits: A methodological review. Recent Advances in Food, Nutrition & Agriculture 15(2), 138–162. https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X280698231221203313
Sugri, I., Abubakari, M., Owusu, R. K., & Bidzakin, J. K. (2021). Postharvest losses and mitigating technologies: evidence from Upper East Region of Ghana. Sustainable futures, 3, 100048 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2021.100048
Sule, B. A. (2019). Curbing post-harvest losses: The plight of onion farmers in Nigeria. Feed the future innovation lab for food security policy research briefs 303594, Michigan state university, department of agricultural, food, and resource economics, feed the future innovation lab for food security (FSP). https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.303594
Tuama, A. A., & Mohammed, A. A. (2019). Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial and anticancer activities of the aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 26(3), 600-604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.07.012
Ukwuaba, I. C., & Ileka, C. M. (2024). Determinants of the Extent of Use of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices by Farm Households in Southeast Nigeria. European Modern Studies Journal, 8(2) 43-56. https://doi.org/1010.59573/emsj.8(2).2024.5
Ukwuaba, I. C., Agbo, F. U., & Adeosun, K. P. (2018). Socio-economic and institutional determinants of watermelon marketing in Enugu State Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 22(3), 161-173. https://doi.org/10.4314/jae.v22i3.16
Urugo, M. M., Yohannis, E., Teka, T. A., Gemede, H. F., Tola, Y. B., Forsido, S. F., Tessema, A., Suraj, M., & Abdu, J. (2024). Addressing post-harvest losses through agro-processing for sustainable development in Ethiopia. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 18, 101316, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101316
Yusuf, I. E. (2020). The impact of road transport on tomato production and marketing in Nigeria. Journal of Nigeria Transport History, 1(2), 1-18.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Ikenna Charles Ukwuaba , Oluchi Mary Ndigwe , Angela Chidimma Igweh , Oluchi Mary Ndigwe , Ifeyinwa Cynthia Ukwuaba
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
