Agricultural Productivity and Postharvest Loss Among Cassava Farmers, In Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Postharvest loss is one of the greatest challenges of agricultural productivity and its reduction is a key pathway to food security. Using Cassava production, this study tends to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the cassava farmers; determine the effect of postharvest loss on cassava production; analyse the financial implication and mitigation strategies employ by the cassava farmers in the study area. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a random sample of 120 cassava farmers in the state. Descriptive statistics, mean threshold from five points Likert scale, Logit model, and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results showed that female farmers (51.7%) dominated the sector, with an average age of 41.91, 10.73 level of education, and 13.18 farming experience with 5.58 household sizes. The farmers have a 68.0% postharvest losses management index, and 32.0% postharvest loss among cassava farmers. The study found that the determinants of postharvest loss in the area are age, marital status, education, farming experience, household size, cooperative membership, access to credit, and extension contact. Postharvest losses come with a load of financial implications, and in that regard, the farmers designed a number of mitigation strategies like good agronomic practice adoption, processing immediately to chips, gari, and fufu among others. The study concluded that cassava farmers in Anambra State have high postharvest losses (32.0%). The study recommends the introduction of improved storage facilities and the provision of incentives to the farmers to increase their agricultural productivity and reduce postharvest losses.