Study of Post-Harvest Losses of Vegetables Among Market Women in Oyo State

Post-harvest vegetable losses represent a significant food security and economic loss in Nigeria, and quantifying and characterising these losses among market traders in South West Nigeria is essential for designing effective post-harvest management interventions. This study assessed the extent, causes, and management of post-harvest losses of selected vegetables (tomato, pepper, and leafy vegetables) among market women in Oja Oba and Sango markets, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted among 90 market women (30 per vegetable type) using structured questionnaires and direct loss assessment through product weighing at sale entry and end-of-trading day. Percentage weight loss was calculated for each commodity and trader. Results showed mean daily post-harvest weight losses of 27.4 percent for tomatoes, 19.3 percent for peppers, and 31.8 percent for leafy vegetables. Primary causes of losses identified were mechanical injury during transportation (cited by 76.7 percent), high ambient temperature (63.3 percent), and delayed sale (57.8 percent). Only 21.1 percent of traders used any form of temperature management. Baskets and open trays without padding were the dominant storage containers (88.9 percent of traders). The study concludes that post-harvest losses are substantial and largely preventable. Recommendations include trader training on packaging and handling best practices, affordable evaporative cooling facilities at market sites, and short-supply-chain linkages between farmers and consumers to reduce transit time.

Keywords: post-harvest losses, vegetable marketing, market women, Oyo State, food security