Assessment of maize postharvest losses in Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor Zones, Ethiopia

Abstract

In many parts of the world, including Ethiopia, food production faces a global challenge in ensuring sufficient supply due to significant postharvest losses. Maize, a major grain crop that plays a significant role in Ethiopia's food security and economy, is among the crops most affected by postharvest losses. Understanding the extent of these losses and the factors contributing is critical for effective interventions to reduce the losses. This research aimed to explore the extent and factors contributing to postharvest losses in maize at the farm level in two maize-growing zones in Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources. Descriptive and econometric analyses was used to analyze the data. The study found that the average annual post-harvest loss in the study area was 9.57 quintals of maize per household, with losses ranging from 2 to 17 quintals among producers. Six significant factors were found to affect post-harvest losses in maize: marital status, education level, livestock ownership, credit access, access to extension services, and storage facilities. Educated farmers, married individuals, those with livestock ownership, credit access, and extension services experienced less post-harvest loss from maize. Conversely, inadequate storage facilities contributed to post-harvest losses of maize. The study suggests several measures to mitigate postharvest losses, including improving storage facilities, increasing education on postharvest handling, encouraging livestock ownership, expanding access to credit and extension services.