Evaluation of post-harvest handling practices of horticultural crops among rural farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study evaluated post-harvest handling practices of selected horticultural crops (fruits and vegetables) among rural farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria. A sample of 205 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that the majority (76.5%) of respondents were aged 41–60 years, 57.5% were male, and 67.5% were married. Most farmers (62.5%) had no formal education, 57% cultivated about three hectares of land, and 58% had over 26 years of farming experience. Annual income for most respondents (61%) ranged between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000. Six traditional post-harvest practices were predominant: washing and cleaning with hot water (Mean = 3.14), hand sorting and grading (M = 2.99), head-loading and truck transport (M = 2.83), packaging in woven baskets (M = 2.76), and hand-picking for harvesting (M = 2.72). The use of modern post-harvest practices was generally low. Factor analysis revealed three major categories of challenges: socio-economic (low income, poor access to credit, lack of extension services, and limited education), environmental (high temperature and low humidity), and infrastructural (inadequate storage, packaging, and transportation facilities). The Kruskal-Walli’s test (R1 = 100.4, R2 = 100.9, R3 = 99.9) showed no significant differences across agricultural zones in farmers’ awareness of modern practices. It was recommended that gender disparities be reduced to ensure equal access to farm inputs, while extension services should intensify training on improved handling, processing, storage, and packaging. Furthermore, public and private investment in Agro-based industries is necessary to support processing and packaging of horticultural produce in Kogi State.