wellbeing of farmers. This study investigated the effect of post-harvest losses of sweet potato

on the socio-economic wellbeing of the farmers in Vandeikya Local Government Area.

Specifically, the study investigated the causes of post-harvest losses of sweet potatoes, the

effect of post-harvest losses of sweet potatoes on the income of farmers and effect of postharvest

losses on food availability. Modernization theory was adopted.

Using a cross-sectional

survey design. A sample size of 378 respondents was drawn from sweet potato farmers in the

area using a multi-stage sampling technique. The instruments of data collection were a

structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage,

mean and standard deviation to address the research objectives. Chi-square statistics and

Pearson correlation analysis were used in testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance.

Findings revealed that, lack of adequate modern processing facilities, lack of storage facilities,

poor marketing system/lack of buyers, poor handling practices, poor access roads, absence of

agro allied industries, among others.

Findings also revealed that post-harvest losses of sweet

potato have a significant effect on the socio-economic wellbeing of farmers in the study area.

The study concluded that investing in modern storage facilities, providing training on best

practices for post-harvest handling, and enhancing market access through improved

infrastructure and cooperative systems are crucial. The study recommended the establishment

of agro-allied industries in the state, provision of loans and grants to farmers, provision of

more access roads and rehabilitation of damaged ones, provision of sweet potato improved

varieties to farmers, improved extension services, among others as the strategies to reduce

post-harvest losses of sweet potatoes in order to boost the socio-economic wellbeing of the

farmers in the area.