Determinants of Post-Harvest practices adopted by smallholder horticulture farmers in Mashonaland West province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of post-harvest losses (PHL) and the intensity of post-harvest technology adoption among smallholder vegetable farmers in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland West Province. Utilising a multi-stage sampling technique, primary data were collected from 200 farmers across the Hurungwe and Makonde districts. The research employed a Multinomial Logit (MNL) model to analyse PHL determinants at four value chain stages—farm gate, transportation, storage, and marketing—and a Probit model to identify factors influencing the adoption of mitigation practices. Findings reveal that 70% of losses occur during storage, followed by farm-level and transportation stages. The MNL analysis highlights that farm gate sales and modern technology significantly decrease the likelihood of storage and marketing losses. The Probit model identifies farmer age, production volume, cooperative membership, and access to diverse information sources as significant positive predictors of technology adoption. Notably, radio ownership showed a negative correlation, suggesting a potential deficiency in broadcast technical advice. While limited to cabbage, rape, and tomatoes in two districts, the results advocate for a policy shift toward integrated post-harvest management. Recommendations include establishing decentralised, solar-powered cold storage, strengthening cooperatives for collective investment, and providing specialised technical training via extension services. Additionally, restructuring credit facilities to target post-harvest infrastructure, such as plastic crates and drying tools, is essential to minimise waste and enhance profitability.