Causes Of Post-Harvest Losses Of Groundnut Among Farmers In Benue State, Nigeria
Ikwuba O. Confidence,
Tagher T. Elizabeth,
Onah-Ugbem C. Erima
Keywords: Farmers, groundnut, storage, post-harvest, markets, processing
Abstract
This study examines the causes of post-harvest losses of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) among farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 384 respondents, and data were obtained through questionnaires and focus group discussions. Data collected
quantitatively were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and pie charts while qualitative data collected were analyzed using content analysis. Results revealed that the leading causes of post-harvest losses were: consumption and contamination by birds and rodents; lack of storage facilities; and hindrances caused by traders. Other major causes included: poor transport facilities; poor harvesting practices; and unavailability of processing facilities. Socio-demographic data showed that
the majority of farmers were women (67%) within the productive age range
of 31–40 years. The study concludes that post-harvest losses significantly
undermine groundnut production and profitability in Benue State, Nigeria.
Thus, the study recommends targeted investments in storage, transport
infrastructure, markets, and processing technologies, alongside policy support to enhance farmers’ resilience and food security in Benue State.
Author Biography
Ikwuba O. Confidence
Centre for Food Technology and Research Centre, Department of Sociology, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]
Tagher T. Elizabeth
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]
Onah-Ugbem C. Erima
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]