Abstract:

This study examined the effect of reducing post-harvest tomato wastage on profitability in tomato marketing in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 150 tomato marketers were randomly selected; data were collected using structured questionnaires to collect a consistent and standardized approach for details of the respondents and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis. Results showed that tomato marketing in the study area was dominated by middle-aged people (mean age 45 years), and all the respondents were married. 86% were female, most of them had secondary education and 91.33% depended mainly on personal savings for capital. The study revealed that tomato wastage is a universal challenge, with market glut (70.67%), poor storage (13.33%), and transportation delay (14%) identified as major causes. Sorting and grading (49.33%) and processing (32.67%) were the most commonly used methods to reduce wastage, while 96.67% of marketers attested to their effectiveness. Cost and return analysis showed that tomato marketing is profitable, with the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.1387, which implies that for every naira invested in tomato marketing, there is a return of 1.139 naira with the marketing efficiency of 113.9%, though it is constrained by high transportation and packaging costs. Regression analysis indicated that gender, marital status, access to credit, and the quantity of tomatoes wasted weekly significantly influenced profitability (p < 0.05). Postharvest wastage had a strong negative effect on profit, with 98.66% of respondents affirming that wastage reduced their income. The study concludes that improving access to credit, cold storage, and efficient transportation systems, along with proper handling and packaging, can substantially enhance profitability and sustainability in tomato marketing.