POST-HARVEST LOSSES IN CASSAVA PRODUCTION AND ITS IMPACT ON FOOD SECURITY AMONG RURAL SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN ETSAKO EAST, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.
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Abstract
This study examined post-harvest losses in cassava production and their impact on food security among cassava farmers in Etsako East, Edo State. Primary data were collected from 100 randomly selected cassava farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The socio-economic characteristics revealed
that respondents were predominantly middle-aged, married, and experienced small-scale farmers with a mean annual income of ₦505,625. Results showed that major factors influencing post- harvest losses included mechanical damage during handling, unfavourable climatic conditions, lack of transportation, irregular market days, pest and disease attacks, and poor storage facilities. Food insecurity indicators revealed that households frequently reduced meal quantity, skipped meals, or borrowed food due to shortages, indicating moderate levels of food insecurity. Strategies used to combat food insecurity included reliance on cooperatives, selling farm produce, seeking assistance from relatives or NGOs, and engaging in off-farm jobs. The binary logistic
regression revealed that age, sex, education, household size, farming experience, farm size, cooperative membership, annual income, and access to extension services significantly influenced food security status (p < 0.05). The study concludes that post-harvest losses significantly undermine both income and food availability, thereby contributing to household food insecurity in the area. It recommends investment in improved storage facilities, timely processing technologies, better road and market infrastructure, and strengthened extension services to reduce losses and enhance food security among cassava farmers.
that respondents were predominantly middle-aged, married, and experienced small-scale farmers with a mean annual income of ₦505,625. Results showed that major factors influencing post- harvest losses included mechanical damage during handling, unfavourable climatic conditions, lack of transportation, irregular market days, pest and disease attacks, and poor storage facilities. Food insecurity indicators revealed that households frequently reduced meal quantity, skipped meals, or borrowed food due to shortages, indicating moderate levels of food insecurity. Strategies used to combat food insecurity included reliance on cooperatives, selling farm produce, seeking assistance from relatives or NGOs, and engaging in off-farm jobs. The binary logistic
regression revealed that age, sex, education, household size, farming experience, farm size, cooperative membership, annual income, and access to extension services significantly influenced food security status (p < 0.05). The study concludes that post-harvest losses significantly undermine both income and food availability, thereby contributing to household food insecurity in the area. It recommends investment in improved storage facilities, timely processing technologies, better road and market infrastructure, and strengthened extension services to reduce losses and enhance food security among cassava farmers.
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