Post-harvest loss and quality deterioration of horticultural crops in Dire Dawa Region, Ethiopia

The assessment on the causes of post-harvest loss and quality deterioration of horticultural crops was carried out in Dire Dawa Administration from March 2011 to December 2012 in the eleven randomly selected representatives Peasant Associations. Stratified and multi stage random sampling techniques were used to sample representative Peasant Associations and respondents (n = 296). Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through questionnaire, focus group discussions, interview and observations. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive statistics. Climate and weather conditions, harvesting and handling techniques, packaging, storage and transportation facility, market situation, dust from cement factory, disease and pest animals were recorded as major causes for post-harvest loss. The severe post-harvest loss and quality deterioration of horticultural crops mainly occurred during harvesting followed by marketing, transporting and storage. Poor quality equipment and materials usage caused tremendous mechanical, physiological and pathological damages on horticultural crops. To minimize losses, different traditional methods were practiced by the local community. The highest post-harvest loss was recorded for tomato (45.32%) followed by mango (43.53%), whereas the least post-harvest loss was recorded for coffee (15.75%). Post-harvest loss ranging from 20% to 50% was recorded in between marketing and consumption. This can be used as a good indication as all concerned bodies should aim for development of effective and efficient policies and strategies to solve existing problems.