Indigenous Methods of Preventing Post-Harvest Losses of Mango Fruits Among Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

Postharvest losses of mangoes are the bane of mango fruits farmers in Benue state. However scientific methods of preventing postharvest losses are not available to the farmers. These farmers therefore utilise indigenous methods to prevent these losses so as to enjoy the fruits of their labour. The objective of the study was to assess indigenous methods used in preventing postharvest losses of mango fruits among farmers in Benue state, Nigeria. Cluster sampling technique was used to select 400 farmers. Questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews (KII) were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using percentages while qualitative data analysis involved transcription of responses of Key informants. Findings revealed that majority (24.9%) of farmers were 30-39 years while those who were 20-29 were the least (14.5%). Also, indigenous methods of preservation included open air (70.2%), Pit (12.4%), Hot water (9.1%), hut (8.3%) and potting methods. In general, the efficacy of the indigenous methods was rated moderately (60.9%). Harvesting the fruits in mature and unripe form prevented attacked from wasp and bats. The indigenous methods significantly prevented the quantitative losses (58.8%); maintained freshness of mangoes (8.8%) prevented shrinking (7.8%) and controlled attacks from insects and animals (7.2%) especially Peter and Local varieties. The methods were also found to have prevented postharvest losses of mangoes mainly for a period of 7 – 14 days (58.0%). Hot water method ensured longer shelf life than other methods but produced low quality fruits. It worked better on Peter variety. However, the methods contributed more towards ensuring quantitative losses rather than maintaining quality of the fruits. The study recommended for open air method for mass preservation of mangoes and adoption of potting method for ensuring of freshness of the fruits.