Post-Harvest Losses, Bargaining Power, and Market Inefficiencies in Jordan’s Potato Value Chain

Potato production plays an important role in Jordan’s agricultural economy and food supply, while producers face challenges mainly related to post-harvest losses, market volatility, limited storage capacity, and weak market coordination. This study analyzes the potato value chain in Ramtha District, northern Jordan, with a focus on post-harvest losses, market relations, and opportunities for value-chain upgrading. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 115 actors involved in potato production, marketing, logistics, storage, and consumption. Quantitative data were complemented by a limited number of open-ended responses to capture actors’ views on key constraints and potential improvements. The findings indicate that market and post-harvest constraints are important sources of pressure on value-chain performance. Price volatility was identified by 91.2% of respondents as a factor reducing net profit margins, while 88% reported that wholesalers held the greatest bargaining power. Technology adoption was limited, with only 6.1% reporting the use of technologies such as grading, packing, price applications, or tracking systems. Affordable cold-storage facilities, standardized packaging processes, better market regulation, and greater price transparency during the season were among the other areas that respondents identified as needing improvement. The results suggest that upgrading storage and post-harvest handling, improving market transparency, providing better access to information and finance, and supporting better coordination among potato value-chain actors could contribute to reducing losses and improving the resilience of the potato sector in Ramtha. The study provides a field-based assessment of the potato value chain and identifies practical entry points for improving its efficiency and contribution to food security in Jordan.