Usage of Post-Harvest Loss Management Practices among Arable Crop Farmers in Oyo Agricultural Zone Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Arable crop farming constitutes a major component of the agricultural sector, with crops such as maize, cassava, yam, and vegetables forming the backbone of household food supply and income generation in states such as Oyo State. Despite increases in agricultural production over the years, a significant proportion of harvested produce is lost at the post-harvest stage, thereby reducing the effective availability of food and income to farmers. Hence, this study assessed the usage of post-harvest loss management practices among arable crop farmers in Oyo state, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised of all registered arable crop farmers members in Oyo State. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 160 respondents for this study. The data for this study were obtained from the respondents using a well-structured interview schedule while the data obtained were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Descriptive statistical tools employed include frequency counts, percentages, WMS and mean, while chi-square was used to test the hypothesis. The study described the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, effect of use of post-harvest loss management practices and investigate the constraints faced by arable crop farmers in using of post-harvest loss management practices. The study concluded that arable crop farmers in the study area often utilizes basic post-harvest management techniques. The study therefore recommended that financial institutions should provide affordable credit facilities and subsidies to facilitate farmers' access to improved post-harvest equipments.