What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to identify the causes and impacts of post-harvest loss on nutrition in Ghana's fruit and vegetable supply chain.

March 12, 2026Open Access

Drivers and nutritional losses associated with post-harvest loss of fruits and vegetables in Ghana: a cross-sector analysis

Key Points

This research aims to identify the causes and impacts of post-harvest loss on nutrition in Ghana's fruit and vegetable supply chain.
Cross-sectional mixed-methods design with 299 respondents including farmers, traders, and household women.
Data collection through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions.
Analysis of post-harvest losses using chi-square tests, ANOVA, and regression models.
Estimation of nutritional losses using protocols from the World Bank and WBCSD.
Identified key drivers of post-harvest loss including age, education, income, poor storage, and transportation delays.
Estimated significant losses of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C at retail and household levels.
Average loss of vitamin C was 4.6 mg per 100 g of lost fruits and vegetables.
Thematic analysis highlighted inadequate knowledge of storage and misconceptions about spoilage.

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, post-harvest loss (PHL) of fruits and vegetables significantly contributes to food and nutrient insecurity. Although PHL has an economic impact, the nutritional implications of PHL throughout the food supply chain remain largely unexplored. This research aimed to identify the causes of PHL in the Ho West District of Ghana and estimate the associated nutritional losses. The study adopted a cross-sectional mixed-methods design, involving 299 respondents (81 farmers, 81 traders, and 137 household women). Data were collected using structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Post-harvest losses were categorised as high or low based on the distribution of reported losses and analysed using chi-square tests, ANOVA, and regression models to identify key drivers. Nutritional losses were calculated using adapted protocols from the World Bank and WBCSD Food Loss and Waste Protocol, focusing on key nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Key drivers of PHL included age, education, income level, poor storage, transportation delays, and the length of time produce remained unsold. Nutritional loss estimates revealed substantial iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C losses at the retail and household levels; these losses were converted into equivalent daily requirements for women and children based on standard recommended dietary allowances, assuming complete nutrient loss once produce became unfit for consumption. At the household level, vitamin C losses averaged 4.6 mg per 100 g of edible portion of fruits and vegetables lost, based on standard food composition values. Thematic analysis revealed inadequate knowledge of storage, limited preservation tools, and misconceptions about food spoilage. Post-harvest handling practices, socio-demographic factors, and lack of awareness contribute to significant nutrient losses across the fruit and vegetable value chain. Interventions should focus on training, household-level preservation techniques, and improved infrastructure to reduce nutritional losses and support food security.

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