Analysis of the Different Stages of Post-Harvest Loss Suffered by Rice Farmers in Anambra and Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the factors influencing the adoption of post-harvest management practices among rice farmers in Anambra and Ebonyi States, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-method approach, data was collected from a random sampling of 320 rice farmers (160 per State). The study utilized the Logit model and Principal Component Factor Analysis techniques from Open Directory R-software and SPSS version 25 to achieve the specific objectives. The study identified key post-harvest management practices, evaluated the farmers’ level of adoption, and determined the socioeconomic variables impacting their implementation. The findings indicate that post-harvest management practices are significantly adopted in both states, with a grand mean score above 3.0 (Anambra: 3.18, SD = 1.322; Ebonyi: 3.22, SD = 1.24). Ebonyi farmers demonstrated a marginally higher adoption rate and consistency in these practices compared to their counterparts in Anambra. Notably, proper harvesting techniques were more significantly adopted in Ebonyi (Mean = 3.10) than in Anambra (Mean = 2.88), implying a reduction in post-harvest losses and improved grain quality in Ebonyi. Quick drying, the use of drying facilities, pest management, proper threshing, and quality seed utilization emerged as critical factors enhancing post-harvest efficiency and economic gains for rice farmers in both states. Socioeconomic determinants such as gender, marital status, education, and household size significantly influenced the adoption of post-harvest management practices. In Anambra, male farmers (Exp(B) = 2.611) and married individuals (Exp(B) = 1.560) were more likely to adopt post-harvest practices, whereas in Ebonyi, education negatively correlated with adoption (Exp(B) = 0.916). The study revealed the role of agricultural extension services in promoting best practices, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing farmers' economic outcomes. Targeted interventions focusing on education, training, and market access can further optimize adoption rates and improve farmers’ standard of living.
How to Cite This Article
Efobi Christian Obinna, Nwalieji Hyacinth Udeanya, Okeke Margaret Ngozi, Obianefo Aloysius Chukwujekwu (2025). Analysis of the Different Stages of Post-Harvest Loss Suffered by Rice Farmers in Anambra and Ebonyi State, Nigeria . International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE), 6(2), 549-560. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2025.6.2.549-560