Assessment of Post-Harvest Losses in Yam Production in Taraba State

This study assesses the extent and economic costs of post-harvest losses in yam production in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Yam is a culturally and economically significant crop in the Nigeria Middle Belt, and Taraba State is one of the country's leading yam-producing states. Post-harvest losses in yam, driven by inadequate storage, mechanical damage during handling, rot, and sprouting, represent a significant waste of agricultural investment and contribute to seasonal price volatility and food insecurity. This study uses a descriptive survey design and collects data from 210 yam farmers and traders in Wukari, Donga, and Gashaka local government areas. Post-harvest loss levels are assessed using structured questionnaires and physical measurement of losses at farm, trader, and market stages. Economic loss values are computed using prevailing market prices. Findings reveal that total post-harvest losses average 31 percent of yam production by volume, with storage losses accounting for 18 percent and handling and transport losses 13 percent. The economic value of losses averages 87,500 naira per tonne, representing a significant portion of farmer revenue. Traditional pit and barn storage methods are significantly less effective than improved ventilated barns in reducing sprouting and rot losses. The study concludes that post-harvest losses represent a major economic drain on yam farmers in Taraba State. It recommends subsidised access to improved yam storage structures and post-harvest handling training as priority interventions.

Keywords: post-harvest losses, yam production, Taraba State, storage, food security.