By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Nigerian farmers are calling for urgent interventions to curb post-harvest losses, which cost the country an estimated $10 billion each year.
Experts say 30–50% of Nigeria’s annual agricultural output is lost after harvest, mainly due to poor storage, inefficient transport, and limited processing capacity.
Mr. Omotunde Banjoko, an agriculture analyst and crop farmer, who said fruits, vegetables, and tubers are the most affected crops, cited bad roads, multiple taxes, and inadequate storage facilities as major contributors.
“Farmers often cannot move produce to markets or off-takers in time because most farm roads are in poor condition,” Banjoko said.
Even when transporters try, delays and multiple stops by security personnel result in losses, he added, explaining that “on one trip from Ogun State to Lagos, my vegetables spoiled after more than a day of delay”.
He also urged the provision of cold chain facilities, including mini cooling trucks, to preserve fresh produce from farm to market.
On his part, Mr. Femi Oke, Secretary-General of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, emphasized collaboration between farmers and government.
“Negligence in preserving agriproducts is a key issue,” Oke said, adding that “outdated methods like rafia baskets for transporting tomatoes remain in use”.
We need government-approved crates, reconstructed grain silos, and more extension officers to train farmers in modern preservation techniques.
The farmers’ recommendations aim to reduce losses, improve food security, and boost Nigeria’s agricultural economy.