Identification of Postharvest Loss Determinants of Small Scale Onion Farm Holders in Lode Hetosa District of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia as Basis for Appropriate Interventions

2024/09/18 by Arsi University
#Farm level loss #Lossdeterminant factor #Multiple linear regression model #Postharvest onion handling

paper · doi:10.20372/nchq-1887

Abstract

Onion has significant economic importance in Ethiopia. Although quantitative evidence is limited, postharvest loss in onion is considerably high. This study was aimed at identifying determinants of postharvest losses of onion at the farmer level and conducted from January to August 2014 in Lode Hetosa district of Arsi zone located in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from smallholder onion farmers via household survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews as well as field based observations. A total of 50 farmers were surveyed to collect primary data and postharvest losses were assessed at farm level. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model. The total postharvest loss of onion at farmer level was found to be 25.4%, mainly because of poor cultural practices and disease attack during production and harvesting as well as poor handling practices, storage and transport. The higher proportion of losses (10%) was observed at transport to market level The model regression results showed that gender of household head, level of education, time of harvest, use of ventilated storage facility, storage cooling system, and package capacity where significant determinants(p<0.05) and explained 57% (Adjusted R20.563) of the variation in the onion loss at farm level. Storage before market and variety used were also found to determine onion loss at p<0.1 significance level. Generally, pre- and post-harvest management practices for enhancing shelf-life and marketability of onion, such as produce handling skills and use and management of storage facilities were lacking in the study area. The smallholder farmers in the study area need necessary support and complementary resources to reduce postharvest farm level onion losses. Onion farmers and development agents in the study area need capacity building interventions to improve skills in postharvest handling practices.

Related

• Factors affecting onion production: An empirical study in the Raya Kobo district, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia
• Factors affecting onion production: An empirical study in the Raya Kobo district, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia
• Abstract Onion is a vital vegetable crop in Ethiopia, with significant economic and health benefits. However, its production trend is not consistent, with periods of increase and decrease; and its productivity in the country falls far below its potential. As a result, farmers are not yet fully benefited from onion production. Thus, this study was initiated to identify the factors influencing onion production in the Raya Kobo District of Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. Data was collected from 189 onion-producing farmers through household surveys, and both descriptive and econometric techniques were used for analysis. The study found significant variation in onion production among farmers, with lower levels compared to national and international averages. Factors such as gender, education level, experience, labor force, land size, access to extension services, irrigation water, land plough frequency, and fertilizer availability positively impact onion production. However, excessive fertilizer use was found to have a negative effect. The study also identified challenges faced by farmers, including input shortages, high costs, diseases, labor issues, soil infertility, and storage knowledge gaps. The study recommends policymakers and stakeholders to utilize these findings to develop effective policies and interventions that can enhance onion production, benefiting farmers and improving the overall onion production.
• Abstract Onion is a vital vegetable crop in Ethiopia, with significant economic and health benefits. However, its production trend is not consistent, with periods of increase and decrease; and its productivity in the country falls far below its potential. As a result, farmers are not yet fully benefited from onion production. Thus, this study was initiated to identify the factors influencing onion production in the Raya Kobo District of Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. Data was collected from 189 onion-producing farmers through household surveys, and both descriptive and econometric techniques were used for analysis. The study found significant variation in onion production among farmers, with lower levels compared to national and international averages. Factors such as gender, education level, experience, labor force, land size, access to extension services, irrigation water, land plough frequency, and fertilizer availability positively impact onion production. However, excessive fertilizer use was found to have a negative effect. The study also identified challenges faced by farmers, including input shortages, high costs, diseases, labor issues, soil infertility, and storage knowledge gaps. The study recommends policymakers and stakeholders to utilize these findings to develop effective policies and interventions that can enhance onion production, benefiting farmers and improving the overall onion production.
• Evaluation of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties for adaptability, yield performance, and Leaf spot disease