Determinants of post harvest losses in the avocado value chain: insights from farmers in Murang’a County, Kenya

This study investigates the determinants of post-harvest losses among smallholder avocado farmers in Kenya, employing a quantitative approach through a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 187 farmers in Murang’a County. The fractional response model and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The results indicate a significant negative correlation between farmers’ age and post-harvest losses, suggesting that older farmers leverage their experience and knowledge to minimize losses. Conversely, larger land sizes are associated with increased post-harvest losses, attributed to logistical challenges in managing extensive avocado harvests. Notably, farmers engaged in other income-generating activities reported fewer losses, highlighting the importance of income diversification in enhancing resilience against economic pressures. Additionally, better access to credit emerged as a critical factor in reducing post-harvest losses by enabling investments in improved post-harvest technologies. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions that support older farmers, enhance access to credit, and promote best practices in post-harvest management to mitigate losses and improve the livelihoods of smallholder avocado farmers.