Mitigating Tomato post-harvest Losses. Participation Responses to recommended Technology

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Problem statement

Objectives of the study

Hypothesis of the study

Justification of the Study

Scope of the Study

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

Tomato as a Staple Fruit Vegetable

Challenges Confronting Tomato Production in Nigeria

Determinants of Post-Harvest Losses in Tomato

Causes of Post-Harvesting Losses in Tomatoes

On-Farm Causes of Post-Harvest Losses

Off-Farm Causes of Post-harvest Tosses in Tomatoes

Post-Harvest Strategies

Challenges to Reducing Post-Harvest Losses

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

Study Area

Sources of Data Collection

Sample Size and Sampling Technique

Analytical Techniques

Model Specification

Likert scale method

Gross margin analysis

Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression Model

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents

Gender of respondents

Age of the respondents

Marital status of the respondents.

Educational level

House hold size of respondents

Years of experience

Source of capital

Extension Contact

Mode of transportation

Packaging materials used by the respondents

Perception of improved post-harvest techniques

Effect of post-harvest loss on farmers income

Factors influencing tomato post-harvest losses

Constraints to post-harvest loss reduction

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary

Conclusion

Recommendation

Objectives and Research Focus

This study aims to investigate the economics of post-harvest losses among tomato farmers in the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, by analyzing socio-economic characteristics, farmer perceptions of improved techniques, income impacts, influencing factors, and existing constraints.

• Socio-economic profiling of tomato farmers.
• Measurement of farmer perception regarding improved post-harvest technologies.
• Economic impact analysis of post-harvest losses on farm income.
• Identification of determinants influencing the magnitude of tomato post-harvest losses.
• Assessment of constraints limiting the reduction of post-harvest waste.

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter Summary

CHAPTER ONE: Provides an overview of the significance of tomato production, discusses the problem of high post-harvest losses in Nigeria, and outlines the research objectives and scope.

CHAPTER TWO: Reviews literature on tomato as a staple vegetable, examines specific production and post-harvest challenges, and details causes of losses on and off the farm.

CHAPTER THREE: Details the methodology, including the study area, sampling techniques, data collection, and analytical models such as the Likert scale and OLS regression.

CHAPTER FOUR: Presents the results of the socio-economic analysis, farmers' perceptions, and the regression model determining the factors influencing post-harvest losses.

CHAPTER FIVE: Summarizes the study findings, draws conclusions regarding the impact of post-harvest losses, and provides policy recommendations for stakeholders.

Keywords

Constraints, determinants of post-harvest loss, farmer perceptions, post harvest techniques, vegetable crop, tomato production, Nigeria, agricultural economics, post-harvest losses, socio-economic characteristics, OLS regression, gross margin analysis, farm income, harvest management, tomato value chain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this study?

The study investigates the economic implications and causes of post-harvest losses for tomato farmers in the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.

What are the primary themes explored?

The research examines the relationship between farmer socio-economic characteristics and post-harvest losses, the effectiveness of current packaging and storage methods, and the impact of these losses on farmers' net income.

What is the main objective of the research?

The broad objective is to analyze post-harvest losses along the tomato value chain to identify key determinants and suggest strategies for reduction.

Which scientific methods are utilized?

The study employs descriptive statistics, a 3-point Likert scale for perception analysis, gross margin analysis for income estimation, and an Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model to determine influencing factors.

What does the main body cover?

The main body covers a literature review of tomato production, a detailed methodological framework, results regarding farmer demographics, an assessment of packaging and transport techniques, and an analysis of obstacles to loss reduction.

Which keywords characterize this research?

Key terms include post-harvest loss, tomato production, value chain analysis, Barkin-Ladi, farmer perception, and socio-economic determinants.

Why are woven baskets often cited as a challenge in this study?

Woven baskets, while cheap and providing aeration, are identified as causing mechanical injuries and crushing of tomatoes due to their sharp surfaces and tendency to be overloaded, which significantly contributes to post-harvest deterioration.

What does the OLS regression analysis reveal about experience and loss?

The regression model shows that years of farming experience have a negative and statistically significant relationship with post-harvest losses, indicating that more experienced farmers are better equipped to mitigate such losses.

How does market distance affect post-harvest losses?

The analysis indicates a positive and statistically significant coefficient for distance, meaning that as the distance to the nearest market increases, the quantity of post-harvest loss also increases.

What is the recommended solution for financial constraints?

The study recommends that financial institutions provide affordable financial support for marketing chain activities and that the formation of producer cooperatives be encouraged to better access inputs and subsidies.