The implications of post-harvest losses on food and nutrition security in smallholder vegetable farming

This study examined the implications of post-harvest losses (PHL) on food and nutrition security among smallholder vegetable farmers in the East Showa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. Data from 359 households were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and binary logistic models. Results showed that vegetable farming contributes over 90 percent of household income, yet PHL remain high -averaging 10.23 percent for vegetables and 13.81 percent for fruits. At the national level (2011–2020), about 2.96 million tons of fruits and vegetables were lost, food sufficient to feed 1.35 million people annually if losses were reduced by 25 percent. Factors such as farm size, education, access to credit, cooperative membership, and adoption of post-harvest management practices significantly influenced household food security. Conversely, gender and age disparities constrained outcomes. The study concludes that reducing PHL offers a strategic path to improving household income, food availability, and nutrition. It recommends policy actions that strengthen rural finance, farmer training, post-harvest infrastructure, and cooperative efficiency to build resilient, food-secure farming systems in Ethiopia.