Empirical Analysis of Post-Harvest Losses in Leafy Vegetables for Sustainable Livelihoods in Southwest Nigeria's Agrifood System

Abstract

Nigeria’s agrifood system supports employment, income generation, and food security, but post-harvest losses of perishable crops, especially leafy vegetables, threaten these benefits. This study examined the magnitude, profitability implications, and determinants of post-harvest losses in leafy vegetable production in Southwest Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 240 leafy vegetable producers selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, post-harvest loss estimation, and a two-stage least squares regression model. Respondents had a mean age of 41.8 years, average household size of 5.6 persons, and mean farming experience of 8.9 years; 68.3% were male, 66.7% married, 41.7% had secondary education, 28.3% accessed credit, and 25.0% had extension contact. Average post-harvest loss was 33.49%, with Telfairia occidentalis recording the highest loss at 37.78%, followed by Amaranthus spp. and Corchorus olitorius. Despite these losses, leafy vegetable production remained profitable, with return on investment ranging from 2.8 to 4.4. The 2SLS results showed that household size and storage costs significantly increased post-harvest losses, while education, farming experience, farm size, and access to credit significantly reduced them. Major constraints were price volatility, inadequate capital, poor road networks, and weak extension services. The study concludes that reducing post-harvest losses through improved preservation methods, cold chain infrastructure, access to agrifinance, and digital market linkages can enhance food availability and rural livelihoods.