Babatunde Sikiru BELLO
Department of Marketing, The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria
bello.babatunde@fedpolybida.edu.ng
Abdulmutalib Adinoyi ABDULSALAM
Department of Procurement & Supply Chain Management,
The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State
Sunday Tolulope OGUNDEJI
Department of Marketing, The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State
Abstract
Agriculture remains a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economy, providing food, employment, and raw materials for industries. However, the sector continues to face major setbacks, particularly in post-harvest handling, storage, and marketing, where poor systems often lead to significant losses, reducing farmers’ incomes and threatening food security. This study examined how the adequacy of storage facilities affects postharvest losses and how storage management practices influence produce quality in Bida, Niger State. correlational research design was adopted, with data collected from farmers, marketers, and storage operators through structured questionnaires and interviews. A stratified random sampling technique ensured proportional representation of each stakeholder group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed a strong and statistically significant inverse relationship between storage facility adequacy and postharvest losses (β = –0.702, p < 0.001, R² = 0.754), indicating that improved storage facilities substantially reduce losses. Similarly, storage management practices significantly influenced the quality of produce delivered to markets (β = 0.739, p <0.001, R² = 0.782), suggesting that proper handling, pest control, temperature regulation, and timely storage use enhance freshness and market value. The study concludes that high postharvest losses in the area are largely driven by inadequate infrastructure and poor management practices. It is recommended that government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize sustained investment in modern, climate-smart storage infrastructure across agrarian communities. Extension services and agricultural development agencies should intensify practical training programmes focused on handling, grading, pest management, and timely storage utilization.
Keywords: Agricultural produce, Market quality, Postharvest losses, Storage facilities, Storage management
