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 Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH


Effects of Postharvest Losses of Beniseed on Income of Farmers in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State



Abstract

This study investigated the effects of postharvest losses of beniseed on income of farmers in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The main problem that necessitated the study was to examine the individualistic effects of postharvest losses at stocking, threshing, drying, storage and marketing level on beniseed farmers’ income. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire for data collection. The study population comprised of 24,615 beniseed farmers, and a sample of 394 participants were selected.

Using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), the findings revealed that stocking losses, threshing losses, storage and marketing losses have a statistically significant negative effect on beniseed farmers’ income. On the contrary, drying losses of beniseed does not have a statistically significant effect on farmers’ income. It was concluded that addressing postharvest losses of beniseed requires a holistic and comprehensive approach directed at addressing stocking losses, threshing, storage and marketing losses. It is therefore recommended that, government should provide subsidies to help farmers access improved postharvest technologies, including modern threshing machines, proper stocking platforms, airtight storage containers, and efficient marketing infrastructure. Additionally, low-interest loans or credit facilities should be made available to support farmers in adopting better postharvest management



Key words: Beniseed Farmers, Income and Postharvest Losses

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