Improving Post-Harvest Handling in Fruits and Vegetables of Côte d'Ivoire: A Comparative Study

Côte d'Ivoire is a major producer of fruits and vegetables in West Africa, facing significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate handling practices. A comparative study was conducted across three regions of Côte d'Ivoire using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and observational data collection. Statistical models were used to analyse cost-effectiveness and impact on loss reduction. The analysis revealed that the use of cold storage facilities significantly reduced post-harvest losses by 25% compared to traditional open-air storage methods (95% confidence interval). Effective post-harvest handling practices can substantially reduce fruit and vegetable losses in Côte d'Ivoire. Investment should be prioritised in the development of cold storage infrastructure to mitigate post-harvest losses effectively. The empirical specification follows Y=β₀+β^ X+ε, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.