Research Article

Socio-economic factors influencing postharvest loss among yam traders in Niger State, Nigeria

Adamu, D. A.¹, Adamu, B. A.², Orimafo, P. K.³, Ohaeri, V. C.³, Babatunde, O.³, Kazeem, A. A.³ and Oyewopo, A. O.⁴

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

²Department of Environmental Science, Federal College of Education, Zuba, Abuja, Nigeria

³Research Outreach Department, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

⁴Library Department, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author e-mail: adamu.pg2115246@st.futminna.edu.ng

(Received: 10/02/2025; Revised: 05/04/2025; Accepted: 30/04/2025; Published: 20/06/2025)

ABSTRACT

Despite high production of yam tubers in Niger State, its potentials have not been fully maximized due to postharvest loss at market level. This study assesses socio-economic factors influencing postharvest loss among yam traders in Niger State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select a representative sample size of 176 respondents from 6 major yam markets within the State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logistic regression analysis. The result of the analysis showed the average age of respondents as 44, with the majority (60.1%) being within the ages of 31-50 years. Marketing experience in Yam with an average of 19 years, with an average monthly income of 55,000 Naira. A majority (70.8%) were male, while 50.6% were reported to be married, with an average household size of 6 persons. The results further revealed that the majority (54%) affirmed having experienced losses in yams during trading due to improper handling. Perceived methods to reduce losses include: usage of yam barn, platform storage, piled into heaps and storage in a conical protective roof, which were all ranked as 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th, respectively. On the other hand, the result from the logistic regression analysis showed the significant relationships between yam traders age, trading as major occupation, years of experience in yam trading, structural condition of yam barns, loading and offloading operations and poor transportation system in/out of the market as socio-economic factors contributing to postharvest losses in yam at market level in the study area. The study recommended that stakeholders should provide traders’ adequate storage facilities, such as an improved yam barn and an adequate transportation system within the market. Traders should adopt the best techniques during handling to help reduce losses, which will in turn enhance food security and sustainable livelihood.

Keywords: Yam, Storage, Postharvest, Loss, Traders, Logistics