Factors influencing Post-Harvest Losses of Fresh Tomato in the Distribution Channel in Lusaka Markets

The aim of the study was to establish the causes of postharvest losses of fresh tomatoes in Lusaka District, Zambia. The specific objectives were to: investigate the factors that influence the losses of tomato in the distribution chain at markets in Lusaka; determine the effects of post-harvest losses on tomato on stakeholders; and identify mitigating strategies to be adopted to reduce post-harvest losses in the distribution chain. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting respondents in the study area. Data was collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Results on socio-demographic characteristics revealed that the majority (about 88%) of the tomato traders were female. This suggested that the supply chain of tomatoes is dominated by women, and thus a successful fight against post-harvest losses will empower women. The qualitative responses linked the causes of tomato PHL to excess exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight in trading places, poor packaging, improper storage, and over-reliance on the Soweto market for tomato sales. Capital loss was the major effect of tomato losses, affecting the livelihoods of families of tomato traders. Technocrats also saw greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste as another negative effect. A number of mitigating measures were proposed for traders, the government, and the Zambia National Farmers Union. They include the processing of excess tomatoes on the markets, encouraging distributors to distribute to other markets within and outside Lusaka, unlike the current situation where most of them deliver their produce to the Soweto market, the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the supply chain at markets, and the and the adoption and use of cold storage facilities in markets. Transporters should drive slowly on feeder roads while lobbying governments for the development of tarred roads linking farms to markets.