Post-harvest Losses of Coconut in Abura/asebu/kwamankese District, Central Region, Ghana

Purpose: The paper was purposed to assess the perception of stakeholders in the coconut-cultivation industry involving farmers, drivers and retailers in the Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese district in the Central Region of Ghana in terms of the sources of post-harvest losses. Design/Methodology/Approach: Thirty farmers each were targeted as the study population in Abura, Asebu, and Kwamankese townships and their surrounding communities after a preliminary study of 5 farmers. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data using a close- and open-ended questionnaire, interview and observation as research instruments. The purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed. Sixty farmers responded to the questionnaire at a response rate of 67%, while 9 drivers and 3 roadside retailers were interviewed. The IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software program was used for the data analysis employing descriptive analysis. Findings: The outcome of the study revealed that sources of post-harvest losses include loss arising from fresh fruit consumption; method of de-husking; processing and storage of copra. Others include losses arising from harvesting (early or late harvesting); collection and gathering; transportation drying of copra. The rest were losses that arise from seasoning; and insects, pests and fungi. Factors that contributed most to postharvest losses of coconut within the district were found to include copra drying (19.98%); processing (19.98%); storage of copra (18.6%); as well as insects, pests and fungi destruction (16.4%). The factor that contributed least was de-husking (2.8%). Postharvest losses among the respondents ranged between 5 and 25 % with an average value of 14.01% and a standard deviation of 4.2%. Research Limitation: The sample size was limited considering the population involved in the coconut industry in the district. The relationship between individual parameters could not be considered and analysed. Practical Implication: Kiln drying instead of sun-drying when extensively introduced could improve drying time and mold infestation thus reducing postharvest losses from this source. Application of weedicides to clear farms must be encouraged. Social Implication: The annual earnings of most of the farmers were below the standard poverty level. Poverty reduction interventions should be extended or intensified to the farmers since most of the contributing factors of post-harvest losses were due to poverty and lack of funds to deal with both basic human and industry needs. Education of farmers with regards to the application of technology such as the application of insecticides, pesticides and fungicides must be introduced. Originality/Value: The study established 10 sources of post-harvest losses of coconut in the district and as a case study for Ghana. Post-harvest losses of coconut could be reduced with the help of agronomic interventions from agricultural extension officers and institutional goodwill from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.