Post-Harvest Losses along the Rice Value Chain in Kwara State, Nigeria: An Assessment of Magnitude and Determinants

Abstract Post-harvest losses, particularly along the rice value chain, have been highlighted as a major source of reduction in revenue among the value chain actors. It is therefore imperative that empirical assessment of the magnitude and determinants be investigated, so as to be able to provide a reliable policy stand that can help reduce these losses. Patigi and Edu local government areas were purposively sampled from Kwara state, Nigeria, since they are the major producers of rice in the State. Data were gathered through the use of a questionnaire from 40 rice farmers, 40 rice processors and 40 rice marketers. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the data. The result showed that the loss was highest for farmers at 41-50 kg (₦14402.40) (1 Naira = 0.002772 U.S. $), 31-40 kg (₦2383.20) for processors and at less than 11 kg (₦398.30) for the marketers. Household size and farm size were significant at 1% in determining post-harvest losses for farmers, while only the household size was significant in determining post-harvest losses for processors. It was thus recommended that efficient milling machine should be introduced, particularly to rural rice processors, such that quality grains can be achieved.