Assessment of Post-Harvest Losses in Plantain Supply Chains in Cross River State, South South Nigeria

Plantain is a critical food security crop in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, yet significant quantities are lost annually due to inadequate post-harvest handling along the supply chain. This study assessed the nature, extent, and causes of post-harvest losses in plantain supply chains across three agricultural zones in Cross River State. A structured survey was administered to 150 actors across the supply chain including farmers, aggregators, transporters, and retailers. Physical loss assessment was conducted at each node using weight comparison before and after handling at ambient conditions over a five-day period. Results indicated cumulative post-harvest losses of 32.4 percent from farm gate to retail, with mechanical bruising during transportation accounting for 41 percent of total losses. Storage under ambient temperature accelerated ripening and decay, particularly in samples stored beyond three days. Farmers cited lack of cooling facilities and poor access to market information as primary constraints. The study recommends the introduction of low-cost cooling technologies such as evaporative coolers, farmer training in proper harvesting and handling techniques, and investment in rural road infrastructure to reduce transit time. Policy support through the Cross River State Agricultural Development Programme is also recommended. Keywords: plantain, post-harvest loss, supply chain, Cross River, food security.