ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF POST HARVEST LOSS AMONG LEAFY VEGETABLE MARKETERS IN UTESE, OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE
ABSTRACT
This study examine the economic analysis of post harvest losses among leafy vegetable marketers in Utese, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State in achieving this, specific objectives were spelt out to examine the socio-economic characteristics of green vegetable marketers in the study area. Estimate the physical losses of green vegetable during marketing. Determine the financial value of these losses of green vegetables. Identify the causes of the losses during marketing. Determine the effect of post harvest sellers. From the objective above, primary data were used to accomplish the study. From the result many marketer encounter the problem of finance due to high level of interest and demand from the bank. Some of the problems of poor handling of their vegetables. It is therefore recommended that government, money lender should create easy access to the farmers, proper information should be given to marketers and producers on how to handle harvested vegetable.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Chapter One      
Introduction
Background of the study
Statement of problem
Research questions
Purpose of the study
Significance of the study
Scope of the study
Limitation of the study
Definition of terms
Chapter Two      
Literature Review
Chapter Three   
Research Methodology
Population of the study
Sample of the study
Instrumentation
Validity and Reliability of instrument
Method of data analysis
Chapter Four     
Analysis and discussion of results
Chapter Five      
Summary
Conclusion
Recommendation
References        
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Vegetable are highly perishable except under intensive care during harvest, handling and transportation. There can also be losses in quality as measured both by the price obtained and the nutritional values as well as in quantity. Farmers are forced to sell their products at give away prices due to absence of adequate storage income goes to the waste bins.
Estimate of production losses in developing countries are usually very hard to come by. Post harvest losses in vegetable in Africa countries have been estimated to about 50% of the total production food and agricultural organization implies that half of the total production are lost during storage handling and transportation of their produce. Therefore minimizing these losses to a large extent between harvest and consumption of already produced food is more sustainable than increasing production (Kader and Roll, 2004).
Post harvest losses are caused by mechanical injuries, inadequate storage, unsuitable handling, faculty system of transport and delayed transportation in retail market. Green vegetable refer to all leafy vegetable predominantly green in colour which can be eaten boiled or in soups. They have achieved tremendous popularity over the last century among local trader. Besides being tasty the green vegetables as they are good source of vitamin A and C. they are low calories and fasts, high in protein per calories, dietary, fibre, iron and calcium. They have a very short life span. They have high economic value.          
PROBLEMS STATEMENT
A very little is known about the production and consumption pattern of Africa leafy vegetable. The FAO/WHO consultation on diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases (2003) recommended a minimum daily intake of fruit and vegetables of proper functioning. Emphasis should therefore be laid, not only on increased production of vegetables but also on ways to minimize these post harvest losses so as to bridge the gap existing in the recommended requirement.
In order to ensure good quality vegetable with high economic and marketable potentials, certain question must be addressed;
What are the factors responsible for post harvest losses in green vegetables?  
What are the economic implication of these losses?
Which varieties are more susceptible?
What are the ways of reducing these losses?
What are the record of these losses?
How can the losses be reduced?
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The general objective of the study is to estimate the physical losses and corresponding financial value of post harvest losses in green vegetable in Utese town, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The specific objectives of the study are to;
Examine the socio-economic characteristics of green vegetable marketers in the study area.
Estimate the physical losses of green vegetable during marketing.
Determine the financial value of these losses in green vegetables.
Identify the causes of the losses during marketing.
Determine the effect of post harvest losses.
Identify constraints encountered by the seller.
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE STUDY
Since vegetable plays a great role in the body and in the society, and green vegetable “promote healthy nutritional balance as they are good sources of vitamin A and C”, therefore the method of producing them should be a relevant subject to the studied and also to the marketer and consumers. It is hoped that the information obtained from this study will help government and policy makers to address the problem of economic analysis of post harvest losses among leafy vegetable marketers and its uses for consumers.