Post-harvest management of fresh tomatoes along the supply chain during the minor (dry) season: a study of Techiman municipality, Ghana

Abstract

This study assessed the management of post-harvest losses of fresh tomatoes along the supply chain during the minor season using Techiman municipality as a case study. Different sampling techniques were employed to select farmers, wholesalers and retailers. Descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis. The findings indicate that ready market inadequacy (all actors), poor transportation systems (farmers and wholesalers), and poor storage facilities (wholesalers and retailers) are important causes of post-harvest losses along the supply chain. The estimated average purchase volume suggests that a farmer requires about 16 wholesale purchasers per week or 16 weeks to harvest for a given wholesaler. Neither alternative is easy to accomplish, hence, the farmer will most likely experience considerable loss. Meanwhile, the wholesaler requires about two retailer purchases per week, or 2 weeks purchases per given retailer to dispose of the weekly purchase, as a retailer's weekly purchase is about half that of the wholesaler. Statistically, the estimated average post-harvest losses incurred by the farmers (9.4%) and retailers (9.5%) were significantly higher than that of the wholesalers (2.1%). These estimates were cautiously described as low. Considerable proportions of the actors did not express their knowledge of post-harvest management practices for fresh tomatoes. The findings suggest that while the farmers may not be interested in sorting and selecting harvested tomatoes, sorting to separate bruised or rotten tomatoes from the good ones is important to some wholesalers (20%) and retailers (30%) as a post-harvest management measure. Good agricultural practices should be strengthened and promoted among the actors along the tomato supply chain. The study recommends that the actors be educated on post-harvest loss management and encouraged to form co-operatives to help find ready markets. An efficient transportation system is essential to reduce post-harvest losses of the produce. State agencies and development partners collaborating to support actors to start cottage industries to process tomatoes into semi-finished products are echoed to help reduce post-harvest losses.