Evaluation of market-level storage structures and postharvest losses of selected fruits and vegetables: A case study of five markets in Ibadan

Abstract

. Although several measures have been adopted to enhance food storage in sub-Saharan Africa, postharvest losses continue to increase. Addressing the negative *re. , re quires up-to-date information on current practices by agroallied personnel involved in the postharvest handling oi perishables to proffer effective solutions. This study explored the level of postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables in five markets in Ibadan, Nigeria. The proportionate sampling technique was employed to collect data from 235 ellers in the markets using a questionnaire. The percentage of grade loss in the supply chain was classified as bruises, mold, and rot. It was revealed that the quality of about 89.2% of the fruits and vegetables degrade during and au'r transportation. Storage conditions which include keeping the produce on a wooden platform, on the bare floor in stalls, and storage in non-ventilated enclosed rooms remain crude and this also contributes to losses incurred. Imr-ov^ment and maintenance of road infrastructures, the establishment of improved storage facilities and the introduction of modern storage technologies would be recommended for reducing postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables i. mai. ets of Ibadan.