The Nigerian Farmer And Post-Harvest Losses
The average Nigerian farmer is a hopeful entity. Not only
have they chosen a route less travelled by many, they convince anyone within
his or her contact that they are on the right track. For a great percentage of
these farmers, their greatest nightmare begins at harvest.
In Nigeria, many farm products are seasonal. During such
time frame, it is readily available in large quantity in the region where it
grows. Instead of these farmers to continually smile to the banks during
harvest, the hand of the clock is tilted backwards as their tales of lasses
crops up from one hamlet to another. Presently, the activities of the murderous
herdsmen, high transportation cost, market union laws, bad inter-state road
network and less informed, creative and innovative entrepreneurs are some of
the prime factors responsible for a greater percentage of post-harvest losses.
Another factor responsible for post-harvest losses that the
average farmer in Nigeria cannot control is the fact that almost all the farm
produce are perishable. Vegetables, tomatoes, egg, palm nuts, yam et cetera. As
much as they are perishable, there is a great unavailability of storage techniques
and facilities in the hinterlands. The truth is that many of the farmers are
small holders and financially incapacitated to venture into construction of
storage facilities. Moreso, these rural farmers are more interested in crop and
plant production without corresponding knowledge of marketing.
Benue state North Central Nigeria, the acclaimed Food Basket
Of The Nation is a typical example of where farm produce waste annually. Each season
of a given plants, tubers or fruits is heralded by a massive loss occasioned by
excess supply and low demand. The quite unfortunate thing is that while
post-harvest losses are being experienced in a state like Benue, there is a noticeable
scarcity in the major cities across Nigeria like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
The experience of the Nigerian farmers with his post-harvest
losses may be a night mare yet an avenue to create wealth and job via solving a
portion of the problems leading to the challenges enumerated here. Creating cottage
industries that could process these farm produce into other forms is the
turn-key. Such investments may not be mega but the constant supply of cheap
farm produce is a plus for anyone who may opt for it. Also, creative and
innovative means of distributing the diverse produce can help curb the puzzle
called post-harvest losses.
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