The Effect of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses on Food Security of Producing Households: TheCase of Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia

This study investigates the impact of papaya post-harvest losses on the food security status of producing households in Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collected through focus group discussions and structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations) were used to summarize household practices, while an ordinal logistic regression model was applied to examine the relationship between post-harvest loss and household food security status. A total of 212 papaya-producing households were surveyed, with 90% of respondents being male. Household monthly incomes ranged from ETB 3,000 to 7,500. Although all respondents practiced fruit grading, only 7.5% adopted post-harvest technologies aimed at extending shelf-life, such as timing and occasion of harvest. On average, 8.87% of total papaya production and 9.5% of potential sales revenue were lost due to post-harvest handling inefficiencies. Regarding food security, 59.5% of households were food secure, while 23% were mildly food insecure, 9% moderately food insecure, and 8.5% severely food insecure. The findings highlight the need for strengthened institutional support, including training and technical assistance, to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security among smallholder papaya producers.