Effects of Post-harvest Losses on Smallholder Farmers’ Profitability: The Case of Fruit and Vegetable Farmers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

This paper estimates the amount of post-harvest loss of fruit and vegetable crops in Ghana.

It also examines the effect of the losses on smallholder farmers’ profits. The study selected the Ashanti Region of Ghana. This region is well-known for horticulture production in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. For the analysis, descriptive statistics and the multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the amount of post-harvest losses as well as identifying the effect of the losses on smallholder farmers’ profits. The results showed that vegetable farmers lost about 7% of their total harvest. Fruit farmers on the other hand lost about 6% of their total harvest. The findings further revealed that vegetable farmers experienced more notable losses during harvest, storage and by pest infestation. Fruit farmers experience more losses at the market centers and during storage. This paper suggested possible recommendations to help reduce post-harvest losses at the study area.

Keywords: Post-Harvest Loss, Fruit Farmers, Vegetable Farmers, Ashanti Region

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/15-1-02

Publication date: January 30th 2025