Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Economics

JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RURAL ECONOMICS
Integrity Research Journals

ISSN: 3122-0185
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JAERE
Start Year: 2024
Email: jaere@integrityresjournals.org

Submit Manuscript

Socio-economic determinants of onion post-harvest losses in Wamakko LGA of Sokoto State, Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.31248/JAERE2025.023   |   Article Number: 3618FF432   |   Vol.2 (4) - October 2025

Received Date: 09 September 2025   |   Accepted Date: 24 October 2025  |   Published Date: 30 October 2025

Authors:  Sada, Muhammad Dahiru* , Hajara Adamu and Liman, B.

Keywords: post-harvest losses., Farmers, onions, Wamakko.

ABSTRACT

How to Cite Article
Full-Text PDF

The objective of this research is to identify the socio-economic characteristics of onion farmers, the causes of onions' post-harvest losses, and indigenous technologies used for onion storage in the study area. The purposive sampling method was used to administer a structured questionnaire that encompasses both open and closed-ended questions. Data for the study were generated from a sample population of 240 farmers in four major onion-producing areas. The primary data for the study were obtained from onion farmers using a pre-test structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple regression were used to analyse the data. The study reveals that the most important factor in onion storage is inadequate storage facilities, and storage structure is achieved by using local storage (rumbu and dabi) and spreading on a mud floor in a room and under tree shade. These resulted in devastating loss of the products before reaching the market for sale. The study recommends that the government and private organisations should assist farmers with modern storage structures to forestall economic loss of onions.

Alidu, A. F., Ali, E. B., & Aminu, H. (2016). Determinants of postharvest losses among tomato farmers in the Navrongo Municipality in the upper east region. International Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare Journal, 6(12), 14-20.
 
Basavaraja, H., Mahajanashetti, S. B., & Udagatti, N. C. (2007). Economic analysis of post-harvest losses in food grains in India: A case study of Karnataka. Agricultural Economics Research Review, 20(1), 117-126.
 
Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), (2021). Food loss in Nigeria: Value chain analysis of tomato, onion, and chilli value chains. Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Surechain. Pp10-82.
 
Dogondaji, S. D. (2005). Economics of dry season production and marketing in Sokoto and Kebbi States, Nigeria. Unpublish PhD thesis Submitted to the Dept of Agricultural economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UDUS. Pp.1-45.
 
Falola, A., Mukaila, R., Iı, R. O. U., Ajewole, C. O., & Gbadebo, W. (2023). Postharvest losses in onion: causes and determinants. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım ve Doğa Dergisi, 26(2), 346-354.
https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.1091225
 
FAO, WFP & IFAD (2012). The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2012. Economic growth is necessary but not sufficient to accelerate reduction of hunger and malnutrition. Rome, FAO. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/4/i3027e/i3027e.pdf
 
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation (FAO), (2011). Global food losses and food waste: extent, causes and prevention. FAO, Rome, Italy. 38p.
 
Gathambiri, C. W., Mbaka, J. N., & Owino, W. O. (2024). Postharvest losses of bulb onion (Allium cepa L.) in selected sub-counties of Kenya. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 21(02), 17529-17544.
https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.97.20145
 
Grubben, M. C., Denton, G. J. H., & Schippers, R. R. (2004). Plant resources of tropical Africa. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands, Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, Netherlands CTA, 2004.
 
Halliru, S. L., Muhammad, A. S., & Umar. Z. I. (2019). An Assessment of onion post harvest loss in desert prone front line area of Kano State Nigeria. of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 9(4), 44-47.
 
Hanci, F. (2018). A comprehensive overview of onion production: Worldwide and Turkey. Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 11(9), 17-27.
 
Hänninen, O., Kaartinen, K., Rauma, A. L., Nenonen, M., Törrönen, R., Häkkinen, S., Adlercreutz, H., & Laakso, J. (2000). Antioxidants in vegan diet and rheumatic disorders. Toxicology, 155(1-3), 45-53.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0300-483X(00)00276-6
 
Kabiru, M., Ikeh, E. I., Aziah, I., Julia, O., Fabiyi, J. P., & Mohamed, R. A. (2013). Prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infections: A community based survey among school children and adults in Wamakko town, Sokoto State Nigeria. International Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2(1), 12-21.
https://doi.org/10.5455/ijtmph.43
 
Mbuk, E. M., Bassey, N. E., Udoh, E. S., & Udoh, E. J. (2011). Factors influencing post harvest loss of tomato in urban market in Uyo, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture, Food and Environment, 7(2), 40-46.
 
Mrema, G. C., & Rolle, R. S. (2002). Status of the postharvest sector and its contribution to agricultural development and economic growth. Proceeding of the 9th JIRCAS International Symposium, (JIRCAS'08), Value-Addition to Agricultural Products, Ibaraki, Japan. Pp. 13-20.
 
National Population Census (2015). Projected population, 2015-2020. In Sokoto National Population Commission Office. p. 45.
 
Olayemi, F. F., Adegbola, J. A., Bamishaiye, E. I., & Daura, A. M. (2010). Assessment of post-harvest challenges of small scale farm holders of tomotoes, bell and hot pepper in some local government areas of Kano State, Nigeria. Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 3(2), 39-42.
https://doi.org/10.4314/bajopas.v3i2.63217
 
Oni, K. C. & Obiakor, S. I. (2002). Post harvest food loss prevention: The role of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) Ilorin under the FGN/UNDP first country Cooperation (ccf-1) Framework. Proceedings of National Seminar for Cooperating Agencies Under the CCF-I Framework on Post Harvest Food Loss Prevention, April 18-19, Ibadan. Pp. 1-10.
 
Rodrigues, A. S., Fogliano, V., Graziani, G., Mendes, S., Vale, A. P., & Gonçalves, C. (2003). Nutritional value of onion regional varieties in Northwest Portugal. Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2(4), 519-524.
 
Sablani, S. S., Opara, L. U., & Al-Balushi, K. (2006). Influence of bruising and storage temperature on vitamin C content of tomato fruit. Journal of Food Agriculture and Environment, 4(1), 54-56.
 
Salisu, L. H., Aliyu, S. M., and Zaharau, I. U. (2019). An assessment of onion post harvest loss in desert prone line of Kano State, Nigeria. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 9(4). 44-47.
 
Verma, A., & Singh, K. P. (2004). An economic analysis of post-harvest losses in fresh vegetables. Indian Journal of Agricultural Marketing, 18(1), 136-139.
Copyright © 2026 Integrity Research Journals. All rights reserved.