Effect of postharvest losses on tomato sellers in Hoima central market

Abstract

Uganda like any other country is highly dependent on agriculture for income generation and job creation because the sector is mainly composed of smaller farmers, poor farmers with limited levels of technology and therefore post-harvest loss remains the leading obstacle for development. This study was carried out to assess the effect of post-harvest losses on tomato sellers in hoima central market hoima district Uganda. The study employed mixed method research design with data having been collected from 80 respondents via a cross sectional survey. Simple random sampling was used to obtain respondents to be interviewed. the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model in particular was employed to assess the causes of post-harvest losses and the importance of anaerobic digester in postharvest loss management as far as tomato selling is concerned in Hoima central market. The study reveals that rodents, poor sanitation and diseases are the significant causes of postharvest losses. recommendations include adopting use of bio digester so as to maintain better sanitation in the market, the government should provide pesticide that can help in killing of rats as well as disease control