Abstract

This study assessed post-harvest losses incurred by tomato farmers in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional data were collected to obtain information on the socio-economic characteristics of tomato farmers and the factors influencing post-harvest losses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial regression, and Tobit regression models. The mean age of farmers was 45.25 years, with a mean monthly income of #141,382.99 (USD 294.55), an average household size of five persons, and a mean post-harvest loss of 179.42 kg per hectare, representing 15.5% of the total quantity harvested. The major cause of post-harvest loss was limited technical know-how (55.56%) in handling tomatoes, particularly at the mature ripe stage. Losses were most prevalent at the harvesting stage (48.37%). Significant socio-economic factors influencing the quantity of post-harvest loss included household size, farm size, marital status, farmland ownership (rented/leased), seed variety, and access to storage facilities. Improved technical know-how, proper timing, and harvesting at the mature green stage were associated with reduced post-harvest losses. Notably, rented or leased farmlands positively influenced post-harvest loss reduction, suggesting that such farmlands are better managed, more efficient, and more sustainable for tomato agrifood systems management. It is recommended that tomato farming be embraced as an essential agribusiness component of food systems transformation, rewarding investment in farmlands, promoting efficiency, maximizing profits, and encouraging technological innovations to reduce post-harvest losses. Appropriate technologies for handling tomatoes along the value chain would reduce post-harvest losses and promote food systems transformation in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Key words: Tomato, tomato farmers, post-harvest loss, technological know-how, food systems transformation.