Economic Analysis of Post Harvest Losses in Plantain (and Banana): A Case Study of South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The economic analysis of post harvest losses incurable in value addition to banana/plantain ‘due to space’ in the two major production and consumption centres in Nigeria. Study Design: Structured questionnaires were used to obtain the required information from the banana/plantain merchants. Place and Duration: The study was carried out in Ondo (collection/production depot) and Lagos (sales depot) states of Nigeria. It covered the period from January to December 2013. Methodology: Primary data were collected from merchants at the collection and sales depot. Budgeting, Gross margin and Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Results: The highest losses were incurred during transportation and these constituted about 5.62% of the potential total revenue. On the average, loss in gross margin was about ₦6,000.00 per merchant. The impacts of these losses are reflected in the continuously reducing level of their income. Conclusion: The merchants need adequate and sustainable transportation and storage facilities as a matter of utmost urgency. There is the need for government to encourage producers of the product (farmers) by giving them incentives to motivate them and ensure that the environment is made conducive also for dealers by providing adequate storage facilities and providing ready markets locally and possibly for export. * Naira (₦) is the Nigeria Currency; ₦160 is equivalent to $1.00 as at the time of this study.