International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Implementation of improved postharvest technologies in Nigeria: navigating issues and challenges  
  by Rachael Aderonke Ayo-Lawal, Elizabeth Adeteju Omimakinde, Michael Oluwaseun Olomu 
  Abstract: Post-harvest losses contribute significantly to global food insecurity. Although, stakeholders claimed to make new or improved post-harvest technologies (NIPT) available; awareness, adoption and/or adaptation are crucial to stemming the tide of food losses. Using a cross-sectional research design, and a structured questionnaire, we examine the adoption and adaptation of NIPT among 1,714 smallholder farmers and agro-processors spread across Nigeria. Findings show varying levels across NIPT categories, with highly adopted crop processing and storage technologies, while awareness and use of cooling systems are abysmally low. Ventilated plastic crates are scarcely adopted (5.2%). The results further suggest the prevalence of sun drying as improved crop dryers are sparsely known (11.5%) and used (7%). High costs, inaccessibility, and maintenance constitute major barriers to the adoption of NIPT. Respondents modify technologies due to cost constraints. The study underscores the significance of simple, indigenous, low-cost, durable postharvest technologies as a panacea for increased adoption.
  Keywords: post-harvest losses; improved post-harvest technologies; adoption; adaptation; Nigeria.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2026.10075862
   
  

Special Issue on: AAPHCE 2023 Innovative Solutions for Food Loss and Waste Reduction in Africa

• Prickly pear mucilage coating reinforced with cellulose nanofibers preserved quality of minimally processed butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) during cold storage  
  by Mawande Hugh Shinga, Olaniyi Amos Fawole 
  Abstract: Minimally processed products deteriorate in quality due to increased respiration, enzymatic activity, and microbial growth. Postharvest treatment applications are needed to maintain quality and enhance marketability. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage (OFIM) reinforced with cellulose nanofibres (CNF) as an edible coating for fresh-cut butternut during cold storage. Butternut cubes were coated with 0.5% OFIM containing 0.03, 0.06, or 0.09% CNF and stored at 4 C and 85 +- 5% RH for 20 days. Quality parameters, including weight loss, firmness, respiration rate (RR), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), colour, total carotenoid content (TCC), total phenolic content (TPC), total ascorbic acid content (AA) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were measured every four days. OFIM coating reduced WL and maintained TSS, TA, firmness, TPC, AA and DPPH compared to uncoated fruit. These findings suggest OFIM could be a natural preservative for minimally processed produce.
  Keywords: edible coating; postharvest quality; antioxidant activities; market value; minimally processed produce; Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage; cold storage.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2025.10071250
   
  
• Unpacking the harvest losses challenges to enhancing food security among farming communities in Southern Highland, Tanzania  
  by Brown Gwambene 
  Abstract: Achieving food security and sustainable agriculture requires reducing harvest losses and enhancing productivity. This study investigated postharvest storage and preservation challenges in the southern highlands of Tanzania using a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected through household questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations from 147 households, representing 11% of the target population. Findings revealed significant challenges in crop harvest management, including labour access (73.5%), crop variety choice (68.0%), harvest practices (56.5%), and technology adoption (41.5%). Traditional storage and preservation methods, such as storing on house roofs (97%) and packing in bags (71%), are shifting due to theft and modernisation. Statistical analysis showed significant changes in bag packing (p = 0.000). To improve postharvest practices, respondents suggested enhancing processing knowledge (74.1%), improving storage infrastructure (67.3%), and facilitating market access (61.9%). Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining food and nutrition security and promoting the well-being of farming communities in the region.
  Keywords: postharvest loss; food security; smallholder farmers; production process; resilient livelihoods.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2025.10075141
   
  
• Assessment of locally-produced edible coating materials on the physical, chemical and organoleptic properties of canary yellow melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus)  
  by Gloria Ladjeh Essilfie, Jemila Manborah Ahmed Wuni 
  Abstract: The study sought to assess the effectiveness of locally available edible coating materials (shea butter, beeswax and neem oil) in preserving the quality and shelf life of yellow melons (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) stored under tropical ambient temperature and relative humidity (27 C and 78%) in Ghana. Eight treatments were laid out in a completely randomised design. Treated and control fruits were stored for up to 21 days and assessed for weight loss (%), firmness (N), pH, soluble solids (Brix), titratable acids (%), vitamin C (mg/100g) and shelf-life (days). Results indicated that all treatments preserved fruit quality during storage compared to the untreated fruits (control). Shelf-life was 18 days for beeswax coated fruits, while uncoated fruits had the shortest shelf-life of nine days. Sensory evaluation revealed an overall acceptability of waxed fruits and consumers willingness to purchase waxed fruits. The use of edible coatings on melons can extend the shelf-life of melons.
  Keywords: melons; edible-coatings; postharvest loss; shea-butter; beeswax; neem-oil.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2026.10075701