Effect of post-harvest losses on rice farmers’ income in Sub-saharan Africa: a case of Niger state, Nigeria
Coker, A.A. and Ninalowo, S.O
Full Length Research Paper I Published April,2016
Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology
ABSTRACT
Post-harvest losses have been one of the key encumbrances to
farmers’ income in sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular,
Nigeria. It is thus, against this background, that this
study ascertained the effect of post-harvest losses on rice
farmers’ income, in the study area, amongst other
objectives. The study covered 120 farming households, using
the multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was
undertaken using descriptive statistical tools, phased
estimation of post-harvest losses and regression analysis.
Results from the study showed that majority (71%) of the
rice farmers cultivated between 1 and 3 hectares; 66% had
farming experience of over 30 years. Ironically, almost all
respondents (98%) witnessed post-harvest losses, ranging
from 7 to 25%, with threshing losses accounting for the peak
of 25%, on per capita basis. Average income per farmer stood
at N111,733.27/Ha. The ordinary least squares regression
estimates showed that threshing losses and household sizes
were significant determinants of rice farmers’ income at 1%
and 5% level probability levels respectively, while the
analysis of constraints revealed that lack of harvesting
equipment constituted the main challenge to rice
post-harvest loss mitigation, as affirmed by 92.50 % of the
respondents. The study concluded that threshing losses had
adverse effect on rice farmers’ income and consequently,
recommended renewed awareness campaigns and demonstrations
on rice handling and post- harvest loss prevention.
Key Words: Post-harvest losses,
income, Rice, threshing losses, Niger State, Sub Saharan
Africa.
- Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology (JASFT)
- Journal of Medical and Biological Science Research (JMBSR)
- Journal of Scientific Research and Essays (JSRE)
- Research Journal of Educational Studies and Review (RJESR)
- Journal of Physical Science and Environmental Studies (JPSES)
- Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (RJET)
- Pearl Journal of Management, Social Science and Humanities (PJMSSH)