THE EFFECTS OF YAM POST HARVEST LOSSES ON FOOD SECURITY IN THE KINTAMPO MUNICIPALITY OF THE BRONG AHAFO REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The study was carried out in the Kintampo Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The primary objective of the study was to determine the extent of yam postharvest losses and its effect on household food availability in the Kintampo Municipality. Stratified and random sampling techniques were employed to select a sample of 202 yam farmers for the study. The methods of analysis involved the use of chi-square, means and frequencies as well as an estimation of a logit model. The results show that the mean postharvest loss was 4.84 percent of total tubers harvested. The categories of farmers who experienced greater losses were as follows: male farmers (92.6%); farmers whose farms were accessible by road (86.1%); farmers who had no ready market (77.7%); farmers who were not involved in contract farming (85.6%); farmers who used whole tuber for sowing (79.7%); farmers who had no access to credit (57.4%); farmers who did not belong to any farmer group (79.7%); farmers who sold in the local market(54.5%); farmers who had basic education (55%); and farmers who used tractor to convey their yam produce to the market (62.9%). Postharvest losses were found to have positive and significant effect on food security. Food security has four dimension; availability of food, accessibility or affordability, utilization and stability. The main challenges facing farmers in overcoming postharvest losses were inadequate funds and labour supply. To reduce or eradicate postharvest losses in Kintampo Municipality, yam production must be modernized by increasing participation in contract farming and farm group as well as increasing mini set, access to credit, ready market and formal education. Also, the above mentioned category of farmers who experienced high losses must be targeted for support.