Title: Determinants of postharvest handling practices and technologies harnessed by smallholder fruit crop farmers in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Authors: Vhahangwele Belemu; Isaac Busayo Oluwatayo

Addresses: Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo, South Africa ' Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract: Postharvest losses (PHL) in fruit crop production pose a serious challenge resulting in reduced fruits quality, shorter shelf life, and economic losses to smallholder fruit crop farmers. This study examined the drivers of postharvest handling practices and technologies harnessed by fruit crop farmers in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A total of 224 farmers were interviewed. Descriptive analysis of data reveals a predominance of male farmers' engagement in agriculture and land ownership compared to women farmers. There is limited access to credit, storage facilities, and markets. The most common fruits grown include avocados, mangoes, macadamias and bananas. The main selling channels are farmers' markets, and roadside stands, with limited exports. The Tobit model result showed that land ownership, selling method, access to agricultural information and availability of packhouse significantly influence postharvest handling practices and technologies harnessed. The study highlights the critical need for improved access to credit, markets, storage infrastructure, and educational programs.

Keywords: smallholder fruit crop farmers; Limpopo Province; postharvest losses; PHL; seasonal heat stress; economic loss; Vhembe District.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2025.151705

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2025 Vol.10 No.1, pp.1 - 20

Received: 28 Aug 2024
Accepted: 21 Jan 2025
Published online: 16 Feb 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article