INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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Determinants of Adoption of Post-Harvest Losses Prevention
Techniques among Banana/Plantain Marketers in Lagos State,
Nigeria
Hassan, T.I
, Balogun, E.O., Mohammed, H.A., Adebanjo, A.O
Department of Agricultural Extension And Management, Yaba College of Technology, Epe Campus,
P.M.B. 2011, Yaba Lagos, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800130
Received: 13 Aug 2025; Accepted: 22 Aug 2025; Published: 13 September 2025
ABSTRACT
This study examined the factors responsible for the adoption of post-harvest losses prevention techniques
among plantain/banana marketers in Lagos State. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 69
marketers of plantain/banana in the study area and a structured questionnaire was administered on them. Data
collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that
the majority of the marketers were female (97.0%); the plantain/banana marketers affirmed that they suffered
postharvest losses (100%). Few of the respondents (5.8%) adopted pre-cooling as a method of postharvest loss
prevention technique, chemical treatment (16%), modified atmosphere packaging (17.4%), artificial ripening
(5.8%), packaging (14.5%), handling and transportation (14.5%) and 26% indicated that they had no specific
technique to prevent postharvest losses Factors influencing the adoption of modern techniques of preventing
postharvest losses in plantain/banana by marketers were age (p<0.00), education (p<0.01,) extension agent
contact (p<0.01) and income (p<0.01). It is thus recommended that government at all levels should legislate a
law that will ban improper transportation of agricultural produce, most especially plantain/banana and
encouragement of investment in Postharvest loss prevention technologies.
Keywords: Postharvest, Plantain/banana, Adoption, marketers, Techniques.
INTRODUCTION
Postharvest losses of food are considered a global challenge to the attainment of the sustainable development
goals of zero hunger and responsible consumption and production patterns in recent times (Apurba, 2019). In
Sub-Saharan Africa, postharvest loss is mainly important owing not only to low yields but also because about
374 million people are feared to experience severe food insecurity (FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO,
2018).
Banana/Plantain (Musa spp) is one of the well-known delicious fruits and preferred by people of all ages. It is
highly nutritive and also a rich source of energy (89 kcal/100g) (Sidhu and Zafar, 2018). It is one of the
cheapest and most nourishing fruits. The origin of banana is considered the southern part of China. Nigeria is
ranked 4th among banana-producing counties in the world (FAOSTAT, 2015; ProMusa, 2017).
Banana/Plantain is a highly perishable fruit and its postharvest losses range from 25 to 50% during
transporting and marketing due to adverse physiological changes, softening of the flesh, and lack of resistance
capacity against microbial attack (Akter et al., 2015).
Post-harvest losses (PHLs) represent a significant challenge in agricultural value chains, particularly in
developing countries like Nigeria, where losses exacerbate food insecurity and reduce farmers’ incomes (FAO,
2019). Plantain and banana, being perishable crops, are especially susceptible to PHL, with losses often
occurring due to inadequate handling, storage, and transportation infrastructure (FAO, 2019).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
Page 1492
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Adopting post-harvest loss prevention techniques can mitigate these challenges, ensuring the availability of
fresh produce and maximizing economic benefits for stakeholders in the value chain Busari et. al., (2015).
Techniques such as pre-cooling, chemical treatment, and modified atmosphere packaging have been identified
as effective solutions but are underutilized due to socio-economic and infrastructural constraints (Abdulahi et
al., 2023).
This study seeks to identify the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of these techniques among
plantain and banana marketers in Lagos State, Nigeria, with a view to offering policy recommendations for
improving post-harvest management.
METHODOLOGY
A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 69 plantain/banana marketers in Lagos State. First, three
major markets known for plantain/banana trade were purposively selected (Sabo market, Ikorodu; Mile-12
market and Ketu Market). Second, a simple random sampling technique was employed to select respondents
from the chosen markets. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and descriptive statistics
(percentages and frequencies) alongside multiple regression analysis were employed for data analysis.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Economic characteristics of Respondents
Table 1 showed the socio-economic characteristics of banana/plantain marketers in the study area. The results
showed that the majority of respondents were women (97.0%), indicating that plantain/banana marketing is
predominantly a female-dominated activity. This aligns with findings from Abdulahi et al., (2023), who noted
women's pivotal role in marketing of agricultural produce in Nigeria.
The average age of the respondents in the study area was 36.4 years; this is an indication that the majority of
the banana/plantain marketers are young in age and will be willing to adopt innovation, as indicated in Busari
et. al. (2015).
The majority (88.4%) were married, with 8.7% separated/widowed, and 2.9% single. This suggest that married
individuals dominate the sector, likely due to the necessity of supporting larger households or supplementing
family income.
The moderate level of literacy (with 50.7% attaining at least secondary education) suggests that most
marketers have basic education to understand the basics of post-harvest management.
The average household size of Banana/plantain marketers was 4.0. It suggests that smaller household sizes
dominate the study area, potentially reflecting urban or semi-urban living pattern.
The mean income was ₦467,391.30. Nearly half (49.3%) of the marketers earn above ₦500,000, indicating
that banana/plantain marketing can be a lucrative business.
Table 1: socio-economic characteristics of the respondents
Variable
Frequency
Percentage %
Mean
Sex
Female
Male
67
2
97.0
3.0
Age (years)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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Below 30
31-40
Above 40
15
22
32
21.7
31.9
46.4
36.4
Marital status
Single
Married
Separated/widow
2
61
6
2.9
88.4
8.7
Religion
Islam
Christianity
Traditional/others
34
27
8
49.3
39.1
11.6
Level of Education
No formal Education
Primary Education
Secondary Education
Tertiary Education
9
25
24
11
13.0
36.2
34.8
15.9
Household size
Below 3
3-5
Above 5
31
22
16
44.9
31.9
23.2
4.0
Income (N)
Below 100,000
100,000-500,000
Above 500, 000
15
20
34
21.7
29.0
49.3
₦467,391.30
Extension agents contact
Yes
No
2
67
3.0
97.0
Source: Field survey, 2023
Adoption of Post-harvest loss prevention techniques
Table 2 presents the results of the adoption pf post-harvest loss prevention techniques among the respondents
in the study area. The results revealed that 5.8% of the respondents adopted pre-cooling as their prevention
techniques, 16% adopted chemical treatment and 17.4% adopted artificial ripening while 5.8% and 14.5%
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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adopted artificial ripening and packaging as prevention techniques against postharvest losses in the study area.
However, 26% indicated that they adopted no specific post-harvest prevention technique. Respondents cited
cost and lack of awareness as challenges to adoption of modern techniques like pre-cooling, chemical
treatment and modified atmosphere packaging.
Table 2: Adoption of Post-harvest loss prevention techniques of the respondents
frequency
Percentage (%)
4
5-8
11
16
12
17.4
4
5.8
10
14.5
10
14.5
18
26
Source: Field survey, 2023
Factors influencing adoption of Postharvest loss prevention techniques
Results of the determinants of adoption of post-harvest loss prevention techniques is presented in Table 3. The
result revealed that age (p<0.01), education (p<0.01), extension agent contact (p<0.01) and income (p<0.01)
were the significant socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of post-harvest loss prevention techniques
in the study area.
Age was negatively associated with adoption, suggesting that younger marketers are more likely to adopt
modern techniques. This finding is consistent with Busari et. al., (2015), who reported that younger farmers
are generally more receptive to innovation. Education, income, and contact with extension agents positively
influenced adoption, highlighting the importance of capacity-building and financial support to banana/Plantain
marketers to acquire post-harvest loss prevention equipment and materials.
Table 3: Determinants of post-harvest loss prevention techniques
Variable
Coefficient (β)
Standard Error
p-value
Constant
1.245
0.312
0.000
Age
-0.042
0.010
0.000***
Education
0.285
0.078
0.001***
Extension Agent Contact
0.410
0.065
0.000***
Income
0.513
0.098
0.001***
Significance Levels: ***1%
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The study highlights that plantain/banana marketers in Lagos State suffer exhibit low adoption of advanced
prevention techniques of post-harvest loss. Key factors influencing adoption include age, education, extension
contact, and income. To improve adoption, the following are recommended, education of banana/plantain
marketers, through extension services to create awareness and knowledge of post-harvest technologies should
be provided by the relevant agencies, such as Ministry of Agriculture. Financial Incentives to provide subsidies
and credit facilities to encourage investment in modern loss prevention techniques through the banks and
cooperative societies.
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