JAEQM

Post-harvest losses (PHL) remain a major challenge to food security and income in Nigeria’s rice value chain. This study analyzed PHL in Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti States using data from 270 farmers, processors, and marketers, selected through multistage sampling. Questionnaires and regression models were employed. Results showed highest losses among farmers (₦28,484.40), followed by processors (₦16,762.80) and marketers (₦1,194.90). For farmers, cooperative membership (B = –3.059, p = 0.047), harvesting practices (B = 6.973, p = 0.013), age (B = –1.275, p = 0.022), and state factors (B = –4.196, p = 0.013) were significant. For processors, household size reduced losses (B = –1.904, p = 0.019). For marketers, household size (p = 0.092) was key. The study concludes that family labor, cooperatives, and improved harvesting practices are critical to reducing PHL, recommending stronger cooperatives, rural infrastructure, and access to credit and technology.

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