Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Abstract

Assessment on Post-Harvest Losses of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentem mill.) in Selected Districts of Sidama Zone-Ethiopia

Zelalem Sisay, Kebede Abegaz, Abrhet Fisseha

The study aims to identify and explore the causes and extent of tomato post-harvest losses through the value chain of three purposively selected districts of Sidama zone located in South Nation Nationalities People Region of Ethiopia along with their market destination. The study was conducted through survey and sampling of 95 producers, 78 wholesalers/retailers, 80 Consumers and weight loss analysis were conducted at the field and markets levels as a case study. In addition, 28 Key Informants and Focused Groups were discussed. The collected data were subjected to SPSS computer software programs; version 19, 2013 and Microsoft Excel 2007 database system. Accordingly, the results revealed that losses of 24%, 9%, 3%, and 6% at producer, wholesalers, retailers, and Consumers level respectively with a total loss of 42% from harvesting to consumer. Significant losses of 50% of the total loss were recorded from Wondogenet district (p<0.01) which attributed to the absence of stacking of plants in the field together with the market problem. Field, transportation and market display were major points of losses of tomato; significant losses being observed right from the field (p<0.01). It can be concluded that post-harvest losses in tomatoes occur during each practice of the above chain actors. However, the maximum losses were noticed at the production stage of the produces. The reasons were poor harvest techniques, packaging materials and absence of cold storage and transportation systems. The interference of egocentric brokers, lack of awareness, carelessness on the loss and its impact are major factors.

Published Date: 2021-08-03; Received Date: 2021-06-15