EXPLORING NIGERIAN POST-HARVEST LOSSES

Two years, six regions…a post-harvest loss story

Agriculture in Nigeria is a major cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing to 23.33% of Nigeria’s aggregate GDP in the first quarter of 2025. It serves as a source of income, employment, and food security. However, despite its economic impact, this sector faces challenges, one of which is post-harvest loss. Post-harvest loss poses a significant issue as it reduces food availability and income for small-hold farmers.

Source: Unsplash

In this analysis, I share findings from an exploratory data analysis of post-harvest loss data collected from farmers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones over two years (2023–2024). The analysis explores regional differences in losses (crop-wise and in revenue), the cause of loss, and the impact of technology adoption in reducing post-harvest losses.

ABOUT THE DATA The dataset used for this analysis was obtained during a project work with Data Community Africa. It includes information on the storage type and duration, transportation methods and distance, prevailing environmental conditions (temperature and humidity), technological products used, losses incurred across the regions (revenue and quantity-wise), and other interventions used ( youth involvement and farmers’ training).

METHOD Using Microsoft Excel, I conducted exploratory data analysis to show regional patterns and key drivers of post-harvest loss. Data was summarized using pivot tables and pivot charts.

DASHBOARDS

Dashboard 1

Dashboard 1 provides a general overview of the analysis. It visualizes the overall distribution of losses, highlights regional variations, compares storage methods with their corresponding average crop spoilage rates, and shows crops that drive revenue loss.

Dashboard 2

Dashboard 2 focuses on the impact of technology use on post-harvest loss outcomes.

Key Performance Indicators include:

· Percentage of farmers using technology.

· Reduction in revenue loss and post-harvest loss associated with tech use.

· Comparison of losses across the various technological products.

KEY INSIGHTS

Production and Spoilage

• The north-east region of Nigeria experiences the highest average post-harvest loss (19.57%), with pepper as the major driver of this loss. Pepper is also the major driver of revenue loss with an average loss of approximately ₦15,453. It is followed closely by tomato and rice at ₦11,368 and ₦10,386, respectively.
• Tomato experiences the highest spoilage percentage (48.33%). This could be due to its high-water content, causing its easy perishability.

Market and Revenue

• Price variations of the crops per kg is generally low. Crops like cassava, maize, and yam have average price differences below ₦1.5 while pepper, rice, and tomatoes have differences of ₦4.79, ₦5.14, ₦4.24, respectively.
• Pepper is the most expensive crop with an average market price of ₦399.22 per kg.
• Access to markets is not a major factor in revenue loss because farmers in all groups of market access experience roughly the same amount of revenue loss.

Storage Methods

• The effectiveness of storage methods will depend on the crop type and prevailing environmental conditions. Crates are the most effective storage method as it has less food spoilage compared to other methods. However, as temperature increases, so does the average amount of produce spoiled.

Logistics and Transport

Short distances: Less than or equal to 43.07km Mid-range distances: Less than or equal to 85.15km. Long distances: Less than or equal to 127.23km. Very long distances: Above 127.23km

• Shorter distances do not always result in lower losses. They have greater losses in terms of revenue and crop loss. For mid-range and long distances, there is little difference in their overall losses, while longer distances experience lesser loss. The use of trucks to transport produce offers greater safety in terms of crop loss. This could be due to its ruggedness, especially in rough terrains. Motorcycles, on the other hand, account for the greatest loss on both produce and revenue.

Youth Involvement, Training, And Tech Impact

• Farming activities involving youths have a slightly higher post-harvest loss (19.32%) compared to those without youth involvement (19.21%).
• Trained farmers also have a slightly higher post-harvest and revenue loss. Out of the 5000 farmers, 1446 were trained.
• The average post-harvest loss of tech users is considerably less than non-tech users, showing the effectiveness of tech tools in reducing post-harvest losses.

• Among farmers who use tech and also underwent training, users of mobile apps experience the lowest revenue loss.

Environmental Conditions

• Comparing the average humidity across the various storage types, the average amount of crops spoiled and the average post-harvest loss generally increases as humidity levels rise. Cold storage has the lowest post-harvest loss across all humidity levels. Temperatures within the range of 36°C – 40°C have the highest spoilage rates.
• Dry seasons have a higher post-harvest loss (19.30%), especially in the southeastern region. Maize has the highest spoilage rate in this season.

Combination yielding the lowest post-harvest loss across the regions

Generally, a combination of pepper and hermetic bags gives the lowest average PHL of 17.34%. Across regions, we have:

• North-Central: Tomato-Hermetic bags (16.03%)
• North-East: Pepper-Hermetic bags (17.02%)
• North-West: Maize-Hermetic bags (16.87%)
• South-East: Pepper-Mobile app (14.45%)
• South-West: Tomato-Hermetic bags (16.46%)
• South-South: Cassava-Hermetic bags (15.75%)

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Spoilage due to extreme temperatures and high humidity can be reduced by putting functional cold chain facilities in place. This will be particularly helpful in storing easily perishable produce like tomatoes and peppers.
2. Trucks were shown to have the least average spoilage per kg, highlighting their ability to navigate long distances. This makes it a better choice in transporting crops compared to other means of transportation. Investing in refrigerated vehicles to transport fresh farm produce can minimize spoilage.
3. Hermetic bags appear to be more effective in reducing crop loss. This tech product can be scaled through: •Increased sensitization and training of farmers on its benefits and use. • Providing access and/or financial support to farmers.
4. Targeted digital trainings will empower farmers to access information on how to reduce post-harvest losses.

CONCLUSION

Preserving agricultural produce remains a challenge in Nigeria, both at small-scale and large-scale levels. While smallholder farmers struggle with inadequate storage facilities, large producers face limited cold chain infrastructure. By leveraging data insights and scaling interventions, Nigeria can move closer to achieving sustainable food systems.