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Economic Analysis Of Post Harvest Losses Among Leafy Vegetable Marketers
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1.2 Problem Statement
A very little is known about the production and
consumption pattern of African leafy vegetables. The Joint FAO/WHO
consultation on Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases
(2003) recommended a minimum daily intake of 400g of fruits and
vegetables for proper body functioning. However, Oguntona (1998)
reported a mean intake of 65g per day in Western Nigeria. This is
against the 150,000 tonnes of leafy vegetable production as recorded in
1992. Emphasis should therefore be laid, not only on increased
production of vegetables, but also on ways to minimize these post
harvest losses so as to bridge the gap existing in the recommended
requirement.
In order to ensure good quality vegetable with high economic and marketable potentials, certain questions must be addressed:
What are the factors responsible for post harvest losses in green vegetables?
What are the economic implications of these losses?
Which varieties are more susceptible?
What are the ways of reducing these losses?
1.3 Objective of the Study
The
general objective of the study is to estimate the physical losses and
corresponding financial value of post harvest losses in green vegetables
in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The specific objectives of the study are to;
examine the socio-economic characteristics of green vegetable marketers in the study area.
estimate the physical losses of green vegetable during marketing.
determine the financial value of these losses.
identify the causes of the losses during marketing.
1.4 Justification
The
study is of paramount importance as it seeks to ensure reduction in
post harvest losses in vegetable which will in turn make sufficient
food, both in quantity and quality, available for human consumption.
Marketers
will also benefit as handling costs is minimized and profit margin
increased during agricultural marketing. This study can also serve as a
base ground for further research works. Lastly, government and policy
makers can as well use the result of this analysis in efficient policy
formulation to enhance food sufficiency, sustainability and self
reliance.
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]The study examined economics of post harvest food losses involving three (3) varieties of leafy vegetables namely: Telfaria(Ugu leaf), Amaranthus(Green leaf ) and Pterocarpus(Oha leaf) in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. A random sampling technique was used to collect data on vegetable marketers’ socio-economic characteristics, types of post harvest losses, physical and monetary losses and the marketing margin accrued from the losses. Data were analysed with the aid o ... Continue reading---
