Abstract:
The study analyzed effects of farmers' attitudes towards post-harvest losses of citrus in Ushongo
Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 90 citrus
farmers randomly selected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using
descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that farmers experienced high post-harvest
losses during harvesting (M=2.96), storage (M=2.48), gathering of fruits (M=2.38),
transportation (M=2.34), packaging and bagging (M=2.31), wholesale market (M=2.24) and
sorting (M=2.12). The losses were caused by improper harvesting (M=4.99), poor sanitation
(M=4.98), pest and disease attacks (M=4.96), exposure of fruits to sun (M=4.81), high rate of
bruising (M=4.75), poor handling (M=4.62), among others. The effects of losses on citrus
included reduction in output (M=2.00), reduction in farmers' income (M=2.00), poor taste
(M=2.00) and so on. Farmers' suggested storage of fruits in cool places (M=2.00), removal of
dirts before packaging (M=2.00), among others as measures for reducing post-harvest losses in
citrus. The study revealed that household size (0.064; p <_, 0.078), level of education (-0.068; p <_
0.045) and citrus farming experience (0.001; p <_, 0.084) significantly influenced extent of losses
of citrus among farmers. The study further found that there exists a relationship (r=0.209)
between farmers' attitudes towards citrus production and extent of post-harvest losses of citrus. It
was concluded that farmers experienced high post-harvest losses in citrus with great effects on
their production and income but possessed positive attitudes for reducing losses of the fruits. |
