PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF POST-HARVEST

Abstract

ABSTRACT Post-harvest farm losses have contributed significant to food insecurity in Nigeria. The problem is attributed to inadequate post-harvest technologies available for farmers. The study examined the perceived benefits of post harvest technologies among the maize farmers. A four-stages sampling procedure was used to select one hundred (100) maize farmers. Information was gathered on socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers, perceived benefits of post-harvest technologies, and constraints to post-harvest technologies. A structured questionnaire complimented by the interview scheduled was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentages, and the mean. Findings revealed that most (76.0%) of the maize farmers were male with mean age of 37 years. The mean years spent in school and mean farming experience were 9 years and 8 years respectively. The most perceived benefits of post-harvest technologies were good for meeting farmers’ need/scarcity (𝑋=3.0), and increase farmers’ standard of living (𝑋=2.69). The most constraints associated with post-harvest technologies among maize farmers were inadequate market information (𝑋=2.93), inadequate technical knowledge (𝑋=2.93) and inadequate finance (𝑋=2.92). It can be concluded that farmers agree that postharvest technologies are good in meeting their needs. Inadequate market information is the most constraint faced by the farmer. It is recommended that farmers should be equipped with updated market information and proper knowledge of post-harvest handling. Farmers should be supported financially to seamlessly adopt post-harvest technologies.