Post-harvest losses in tomato market value chain in Namasale sub-county, Amolatar, Uganda

Post-harvest losses are among the key constraints affecting farmers in developing countries such as Uganda. This study was designed to investigate the post-harvest losses in the tomato (Lycopersicum, esculentum) market value chain among smallholder farmers in Namasale sub-county, Amolatar District, northern Uganda. Groups of 44 active tomato farmers from the Namasale Tomato Growers’ Association were selected and administered a questionnaire to provide responses regarding post-harvest losses. The study examined post-harvest practices, losses incurred along stages of the value chain, their causes, other constraints and the data obtained was analyzed by simple Excel. The results showed that the majorly young adult female farmers grow three tomato varieties that are harvested all through from the mature green to the very ripe stages; packed in nylon sacks, polythene bags and wooden crates, without cleaning or disinfecting. Harvest losses majorly arose from unhygienic handling, use of inappropriate containers, poor transport mechanisms, poor storage and lack of bulk consumption. To the Namasale tomato farmer, fruit production is costly and the post-harvest losses are high requiring well-planned support, guidance and management for mitigation. Key words: Post-harvest losses, production practices, small-holder farmer, value chain