In Nigeria, nearly 50% of food produced never reaches consumers lost after harvest due to spoilage and poor handling. This massive loss threatens food security, farmer incomes, and the country’s economy.
Why does this happen?
The main culprits are poor storage facilities, inefficient logistics, and bad road networks. Recently, I traveled to a farming community in Osun State where tomato farmers were bitterly complaining about how their produce often spoils before reaching markets because of long delays caused by poor roads. Rough, inaccessible routes slow transport, making it hard to move fresh tomatoes quickly.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank, lack of proper storage combined with transport challenges causes losses of up to 30-50% for perishable crops in sub-Saharan Africa.
Simple solutions can make a big difference:
Reducing post-harvest losses doesn’t always require massive infrastructure. Here are practical, scalable solutions:
Affordable Storage Bags and Containers
✅These reduce moisture, pests, and spoilage — especially important for grains and perishables.
✅ Timely Drying and Processing
Turning fresh produce (like tomatoes) into paste, powder, or dried goods extends shelf life and reduces waste.
✅ Upgrading Rural Roads and Cold Chains
Better road access and refrigerated trucks ensure quicker, safer delivery to markets.
✅ Training Farmers on Post-Harvest Practices
Many losses happen due to lack of knowledge in proper handling. Farmer education is key.
✅ Connecting Farmers Directly to Buyers
Digital platforms and cooperatives can reduce middlemen and ensure faster market access.
Let’s Hear From You
What’s your biggest challenge with storage or selling your produce?
Share your experience in the comments. Let’s build a community that grows together.
AgropreneurNIG your partner in agribusiness.
