losses hinder its potential. This study, conducted in Vandeikya Local Government Area,

Benue State, Nigeria, investigated how farmers’ awareness of value-added innovations could

reduce these losses. Data for the study was sourced from 384 respondents using interview

and focused group methods and were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively.

The

diffusion of Innovation theory formed the theoretical base of the study. Major findings of the

study revealed that majority of the farmers (68.1%) were not aware of the post – harvest

value-added innovations available in the sweet potatoes value chain. Furthermore, farmers’

awareness level of the post – harvest value-added innovations available in the sweet potatoes

value chain was found in the study to be at 31.9 percent. The chi – square test of significance

indicated a significant relationship (x 2 = 154.04, p < .05) between farmers’ awareness of

value-added innovations of sweet potatoes and reduction in post-harvest losses of sweet

potatoes.

The Phi coefficient of 0.633, further suggests a strong association between farmers’

awareness of value-added innovations and reduction in post-harvest losses of sweet potatoes

in the study area. The study concludes that farmers’ lack of awareness of the value – added

innovations of sweet potatoes is the primary cause of post-harvest losses of the crop in the

study area. The study recommends implementing targeted awareness campaigns and effective

training programs to enhance farmers’ knowledge and adoption of these innovations. Such

initiatives are key to boosting their revenues and improving the sweet potato value chain in

the region.