Economic Dimensions Of Post-Harvest Losses And Household Food Security Among Cowpea Farmers: Evidence From Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the economic dimensions of post-harvest losses and household food security among cowpea farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey of 384 farm households and employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study explores the causal linkages between post-harvest losses and food security. Results indicate that 21.1% of total cowpea output was lost post-harvest, with storage losses accounting for 76.3% of total losses. SEM results reveal that post-harvest losses significantly increased food insecurity (β = 0.782, p < 0.001), while household income had a mitigating effect (β = 0.392, p < 0.001). The study concludes that economic vulnerability induced by postharvest inefficiencies undermines household food security and welfare. Policy recommendations cowpea farmers should priorities the use of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) while government or NGO-led subsidy programs should be implemented to make PICS or super grain bags affordable for smallholder farmers, as these are highly effective against bruchids without chemicals. Government should support local manufacturing and distribution networks for steel drums and metallic silos, which are highly effective alternatives to traditional, less secure storage methods. Government should integrate cowpea post-harvest loss reduction directly into national agricultural and food security strategies by formalizing targets in agricultural policies to aligned with national food security and international goals