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Impact of Road Conditions on Post-Harvest Losses in Tomato Production in Beledweyne District, Hiiraan Region, Somalia

DOI : https://doi.org/10.36349/easjals.2025.v08i11.007
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Tomato production is an important source of income and food for many households in Beledweyne District, Hiran Region, Somalia. However, postharvest losses remain a major challenge, particularly during transportation from production areas to the main markets, so this study examined the impact of road condition on postharvest losses in tomato production in Beledweyne District, Hiiraan Region, Somalia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach was used. Data were collected from 92 tomato farmers who supply tomatoes to the main market in Beledweyne District. The sample size was determined by using Slovin’s formula with a 5% margin of error. Primary data was used through A structured questionnaire was used to collect data at the local main market in Beledweyne, where farmers bring their products. Using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and figures, with Stata version 17. The findings indicate that postharvest tomato losses in the study area are a considerable majority of farmers reported losses ranging between 21% and 30%, and also a significant proportion experienced losses exceeding 30% of total production. The results indicated that poor road conditions are the main cause of these losses. The farmers indicate that rough and unpaved roads, long transportation distances, and frequent delays and also long travel times all negatively affect tomato quality, resulting in physical damage such as bruising, cracking, rotting, and softening. In addition to that, the study results show that postharvest losses have a serious negative impact on farmers' income, reducing profitability. All respondents agreed that also improving road condition would significantly reduce postharvest losses.

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Professor Thomas Count Dracula, MD, PhD

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