Knowledge of Farmers on Post-Harvest Handling of Tomato in Enugu State, Nigeria

• Published in: Journal of agricultural extension 2024-10, Vol.28 (4)
• Main Authors: violet amarachukwu ohagwu, Cynthia Eberechukwu Nwobodo, Chinasa Juliana Iwuchukwu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1119-944X; 2408-6851

ABSTRACT The study assessed the knowledge of tomato farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the knowledge level and practical skills of farmers on post-harvest handling, ascertained the causes of post-harvest losses, and ascertained the constraints to tomato post-harvest handling. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 96 respondents for the study. Four local government areas were purposefully selected for predominating tomato production. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Percentage, mean score, standard deviation, and linear regression were used for data analysis. The study revealed that the majority (86.7%) had high knowledge of post-harvest handling. There is a significant negative relationship between annual income from production (t = -4.306; P? 0.05) and their knowledge of post-harvest handling. Most farmers (84.2%) had moderate skills in post-harvest handling. Excess heat (40.0%) was the main cause of post-harvest loss. Constraints to post-harvest handling include the high cost of improved implements ( 4.75) and inadequate knowledge about post-harvest technologies ( =4.43). In conclusion, farmers had moderate knowledge and skills for post-harvest handling, which causes huge losses in product and profit. The study recommends that adequate training be given to farmers by the extension agents on non-tasking post-harvest techniques.