Analysis of Post-harvest Losses of Yam in North-East Zone of Benue State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the post-harvest losses of yam in North-East Zone of Benue state, Nigeria. It ascertained the level of postharvest losses of yam, identified the factors precipitating postharvest losses of yam identified the strategies adopted by yam farmers for reduction of postharvest losses of yam in North-East Zone of Benue State, Nigeria. The study consisted of a total sample size of two hundred and four (204) yam farmers drawn from three local government areas of North-East Zone of Benue state. The result identified pest attack, storage method, temperature, disease and infection, poor transportation, theft, underdeveloped market and exposure of yam to sunlight as factors precipitating post-harvest losses in the area. It also shows the result of the assessment of yam farmers in the study area regarding the level of losses they experience at various stages of yam postharvest activities. The value of the coefficient of multiple determinants (R2), is 0808, which implies that about 80.8% of the postharvest losses of yam in the study area is explained by the explanatory variables included in the model. The F-statistic of the lead equation is significant at 1% (28.122). Coefficients of pest attack disease and infections of yam, poor transportation facility, poor handling method used, excessive exposure of yam to sunlight, were positively related to postharvest losses of yam in the study area at 1% level of significant. Coefficient of storage method, temperature of the area and theft of yam in the study area were positive and significant to postharvest losses of yam at 5% level of significant. Given that, the computed F- value (28.122), was significantly higher than the tabulated F-value (9.33), at 1% level of significance, and (3.11) at 5% level of significance; the null hypothesis was therefore rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. The study recommends provision of yam flour processing factory, which will provide a ready yam market that will reduce postharvest losses of yams and also increase the economic value of yams in the area.