EFFECTS OF POST-HARVEST LOSSES OF MANGO ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF FARMERS IN USHONGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE1

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of post-harvest losses of mango on 
the socio-economic wellbeing of farmers in Ushongo Local 
Government Area of Benue State. The specific objectives of the 
study were to assess the level of mango post-harvest, examine the 
causes of mango post-harvest losses, ascertain the effects of mango 
post-harvest losses on the socio-economic wellbeing of farmers and 
suggest measures that can help curtail the extent of post-harvest 
losses of mango in order to burst the socio-economic wellbeing of 
farmers in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State. A 
sample size of 378 mango farmers was used for the study. Data was 
collected through semi-structured questionnaires and key 
informant interviews. Collected data was analyzed with the use of 
tables and frequencies. The findings of the study revealed that there 
is a high level of post-harvest losses of mango in Ushongo Local 
Government Area. Factors such as lack of adequate processing 
facilities, lack of adequate modern storage facilities, poor 
marketing system, poor handing practices, poor access roads 
among others were found as the major causes of mango post-harvest losses. On the effects of mango post-harvest losses on the 
socio-economic wellbeing of farmers, the study found the inability 
of farmers to access the basic needs of life such as health care services, nutritious food, quality housing, education and clothing 
as the major effects of post-harvest losses of mango on farmer's 
wellbeing. The study however recommended the provision of 
processing facilities, establishment of agro-allied industries, 
removal of middlemen from markets, giving grants/loans to 
farmers among others as the major strategies that will reduce 
mango losses due to post harvest handling.