Abstract:
In Less Economically advanced nations, more than half of their populations live in rural areas
and majority depend on agriculture for survival. Post- harvest food loss in Africa represents a
multi-faceted challenge that reduces the income of approximately 470 million farmers.
Agriculture plays a key role in the overall economic performance of Jakiri Sub Division, in terms
of its contribution to food, source of livelihood and in providing employment. Using secondary
and primary data, participatory approaches through field observation, questionnaires and
interviews, this study investigates post-harvest options of farmers in Jakiri Sub-Division. Results
revealed that agricultural production techniques have evolved and improved over the years,
however very little has been done to improve post-harvest management. Findings equally
showed that Post-harvest options of farmers are inadequate due to a complexity of reasons such
as the absence of sufficient technologies/infrastructures, inadequate capital and technical
knowhow and above all refusal to adopt appropriate techniques. Consequently this results in
large quantities of harvested food produce being lost thereby representing a waste of time, effort
and resources. Overcoming these socio-economic constraints through the development of
infrastructures, increased training and sensitisation of the local population is an important step in
achieving food security and also it would go a long way to increase the efficiency of resources
used in food production. |
