Survey of Post-Harvest Losses in Tomato Marketing Along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway, North West Nigeria

Post-harvest losses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) represent a major challenge to food security and market efficiency in Nigeria, with estimates indicating that between 40 and 60 percent of fresh produce is lost between farm gate and consumer. This study surveys the nature, magnitude, and causes of post-harvest tomato losses along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, one of the most active tomato marketing corridors in North West Nigeria. Using structured interviews and direct observation, data were collected from 80 tomato traders, transporters, and market intermediaries across three major collection points along the route. Information gathered covers loss estimation methods, packaging types used, transportation conditions, and trader awareness of preservation technologies. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings reveal that mechanical injury during transportation, poor packaging using open baskets, and delayed marketing are the primary causes of loss, accounting for over 65 percent of total post-harvest waste reported. Traders demonstrated limited knowledge of cooling and modified atmosphere storage technologies. The study recommends investment in refrigerated transportation infrastructure, adoption of ventilated plastic crates, and targeted training programs for tomato traders in the region. These recommendations align with recent policy discussions on reducing food waste along Nigerian agricultural value chains. Keywords: post-harvest loss, tomato, marketing, Kaduna, food security