Economic analysis of post-harvest losses among banana farmers in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined post-harvest losses among banana farmers in Nnewi Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study  specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of banana farmers in the study area, determined the factors influencing North  post-harvest loss of banana and identified problems encountered by banana farmers in the study area. A total of 75 banana farmers were  selected using simple random sampling and primary data were collected for the study using well-structured questionnaire and  interview schedule of which 61 were retrieved. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and regression analysis. Four  functional forms were experimented upon. The Double-log was chosen as the lead equation. The results showed that majorities (68.9%)  of the farmers were female, the mean age of the respondents was 53 years with mean farming experience of 17 years, the mean  household size was 5 persons and the mean farm size was 1.8 hectares. Results of the regression analysis showed that R² was 55%, the  household size and quantity of banana harvested in kg were positive and significant at 1%. The mean loss of banana in kg was 195kg. The  major problems encountered by the farmers in the study area include: fruit damage during harvest, high temperature, inadequate  financing, late harvesting. It is recommended that extension agents visit farmers in the study area and organize trainings for farmers.  Farmers are encouraged to harvest as soon as fruits are mature and also form a banana farmers’ cooperative society.