Postharvest losses among smallholder fruit crop farmers in South Africa: insights from Vhembe District of Limpopo Province

Smallholder fruit crop farmers in South Africa's rural areas face significant economic and food security challenges due to postharvest losses (PHLs). Fruits are more susceptible to PHL, which occurs at various stages, including harvesting, handling, transportation, storage, and marketing. Reducing PHL is crucial for promoting circular agriculture principles, which aim to minimize waste, optimize resource use, and promote regenerative practices. By reducing PHL, smallholder farmers can retain more value from their produce, reduce waste, and contribute to more sustainable and efficient food systems. This study investigated the PHL faced by smallholder fruit crop farmers (FCFs) in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data were collected from a random sample of 224 smallholder FCFs through a structured questionnaire and analyzed via descriptive statistical analytical tools. The results of the data analysis revealed that 63.9% of the participants were male, whereas 36.1% were female. The educational levels attained by the farmers are relatively high, as 48.7% of them have completed secondary education, with agriculture being the primary income source for 84.4% of them. The findings also indicate fruit crop production diversity among farmers, with 95.5% of them owning land, thus providing security and stability for long-term investments. Additionally, more than half of the farmers experienced postharvest losses, and the main causes identified included inadequate storage conditions, mechanical damage during transportation, excessive transpiration, and improper handling practices. Some of the measures employed to minimize postharvest losses include cleaning and disinfecting, sorting and grading, among others. The study concluded that improving access to storage facilities, packhouses, credit, and markets; enhancing information dissemination; and promoting effective postharvest management practices are crucial for reducing postharvest losses, and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.