Effect of post-harvest losses on rice farmers’ income in Sub-saharan Africa: a case of Niger state, Nigeria

Abstract

Post-harvest losses have been one of the key encumbrances to farmers’ income in sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular, Nigeria. It is thus, against this background, that this study ascertained the effect of post-harvest losses on rice farmers’ income, in the study area, amongst other objectives. The study covered 120 farming households, using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistical tools, phased estimation of post-harvest losses and regression analysis. Results from the study showed that majority (71%) of the rice farmers cultivated between 1 and 3 hectares; 66% had farming experience of over 30 years. Ironically, almost all respondents (98%) witnessed post-harvest losses, ranging from 7 to 25%, with threshing losses accounting for the peak of 25%, on per capita basis. Average income per farmer stood at N111,733.27/Ha. The ordinary least squares regression estimates showed that threshing losses and household sizes were significant determinants of rice farmers’ income at 1% and 5% level probability levels respectively, while the analysis of constraints revealed that lack of harvesting equipment constituted the main challenge to rice postharvest loss mitigation, as affirmed by 92.50 % of the respondents. The study concluded that threshing losses had adverse effect on rice farmers’ income and consequently, recommended renewed awareness campaigns and demonstrations on rice handling and post- harvest loss prevention.