Analysis of Post Harvest Losses in The Mango Marketing Channel in Sothern Ghana

ABSTRACT

National data on post-harvest loss of mango fruits is estimated to be between 20% to 60%. This constitutes a huge financial loss to all actors. The major obstacles in dealing with this challenge are little knowledge of the nature of the marketing channels, absence of exact estimates, stages along the marketing channel where the losses occur as well as the socio-economic factors that lead to the losses. The study assessed the nature of the marketing channel, estimated losses at each stage of the channel, and identified causes and determinants of losses at various stages of the marketing channel. The study was conducted in three (3) major mango producing regions in southern Ghana (i.e. Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions), four (4) Municipalities and Districts in eight (8) communities. Multistage sampling method was used to select 180 respondents. Data was collected through interview with a semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential methods. Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance (W) was used to measure the level of agreement between rankers of the causes of post-harvest losses. SPSS was used for the descriptive statistics and the Tobit regression was used to identify determinants of post-harvest losses. The study revealed that the most preferred channel was farmer to processor to consumer. The first four most prevailing causes of loss of fruits along the marketing channel were pest, disease, mechanical damage and uneven ripening. Retailer level had the highest losses of 23.6% while processors recorded the least of 5.3%. Age of respondents, packaging, transportation, length of storage and training significantly influence post-harvest losses. The study recommended more use of farmer to processor channel, adoption of modern handling practices, training of actors and establishment of storage and processing facilities in the area.