Abstract

This study analysed the determinants of post-harvest losses of plantain in the Sassandra-Marahoué District to contribute to the reduction of post-harvest losses of agricultural products. To this end, a fractional response regression model was implemented on primary data randomly collected from 220 plantain growers. The results indicated that the area of production, the place of plantain in the production system, membership of a producer organisation, and the place of grouping and storage influenced post-harvest losses. These results suggest that post-harvest losses of plantain are greater in areas of high production where the road infrastructure is deficient and among small producers who have not mastered good handling, storage, and conservation practices. To reduce post-harvest losses, rural and agricultural tracks need to be re-profiled, harvests need to be optimally planned and small-scale growers need to be empowered to apply good harvesting and post-harvesting practices.

Key words: Post-harvest loss, fractional response regression, plantain, Ivory Coast. JLE: C35 D24 Q12