Examining Post-Harvest Losses of Fruits and Vegetables Along the Value Chain in Oyo State: A Systemic Analysis

Fruit and vegetable post-harvest losses in Nigeria are estimated to contribute significantly to food waste, income loss for smallholder farmers, and reduced dietary availability of micronutrient-rich foods. A systemic understanding of loss drivers across value chain nodes is essential for designing targeted interventions. This study examined post-harvest losses of selected fruits and vegetables along the value chain in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A value chain analysis framework was applied, with data collected from 80 producers, 50 aggregators, 60 processors, and 80 retailers selected through multistage sampling across four local government areas. Physical loss assessment was conducted at each value chain node using standard weight-loss protocol for tomato, pepper, plantain, and leafy vegetables. Qualitative data on loss drivers were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data analysis involved loss quantification, comparative analysis, and thematic coding. Results showed cumulative physical losses ranging from 25 to 43 percent for different commodities. The highest losses occurred at the retail and aggregation nodes. Primary loss drivers included inadequate packaging, poor transport infrastructure, heat exposure, and absence of cold chain linkages. Producer-level losses were lower but increased significantly with market distance. The study recommends cold storage investment, improved market road access, and trader training on produce handling in Oyo State. Keywords: post-harvest losses, fruits, vegetables, value chain, Oyo State