Assessment of Handling Losses of some Major Fruits and Vegetables Grown in Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess handling losses in some fruits and vegetables in Adamawa State, in order to provide relevant information for formulation of policy and strategies for losses reduction in the areas. A sample of 280 farmers and traders were selected randomly from fourteen local government areas spread across the three Senatorial Zones of the state. A self study questionnaire was designed and used to collect data; copies of the questionnaire were distributed and returned by hand. The data collected were analysed by percentages and other appropriate tools, the result interpreted at 5% level of significance. The study revealed that losses ranged from 21 37% in various fresh products, with a mean loss of 28%; while mean loss in dry products is 4%. Losses occurred in form of spoilage, wilting and mechanical damage. The causes of losses are poor harvesting practices, exposure of the products to the sun during transportation and storage under non - ideal conditions. Recommendations were made that could lead to reduction in these losses.