ASSESSMENTOFFRUITPOSTHARVESTHANDLINGPRACTICEAND CAUSEOFLOSSESINWOLKITETOWN,GURAGEZONE,ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Demand for fresh fruit is steadily increasing in cities of Gurage zone Ethiopia. The type of fruit crops available in the market and number of fruit retailers are increasing from time to time. However, the key challenge facing the sector is loss across the supply chain. Therefore, the objectives of this study was to analysed fruit handling practices, document causes and extent of post-harvest losses in Wolkite city fruit market. The study was conducted in May 2024 using semi structured questionnaire. Thirty fruit retailers were randomly selected and interviewed to obtain information on their socio-economic characteristics, fruit marketing practices and post-harvest losses. Data analyzed by using Excel. Results revealed that, 40% fruit retailers are less than between 31-40 years old, 40.1% attended above primary school education, 70% have less than five fruit trading experience and 63.3 are female. Therefore, fruit retailers are adult female and first cycle educated but have very limited fruit trading experience. Of the four fruit crops commonly sold in Wolkite town market; mango, banana, sweet orange and avocado were the most prevalent. The major causes of post-harvest losses of fruits at harvest as replied by the respondents are commonly Poor storage condition, Mechanical damage (rough handling) Poor quality produce (disease, pest, premature). Therefore, multifaceted interventions such as capacity development, improved fruit production and harvesting practice, and proper storage and transportation facilities establishment are required to reduce post-harvest loss and extend fruit shelf-life