Measures for Reducing Tomato Post-Harvest Losses at Farmer Level in the Lake Victoria Crescent Agro-Ecological Zone.

Abstract

Globally, tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are recognized as a significant vegetable crop with nutritional, health, and economic importance. In Uganda, small-scale tomato farmers, obtain low yields due to biotic and abiotic conditions of pests, diseases, lack of irrigation, and insufficient knowledge of sustainable farming practices. Post-harvest losses further hinder tomato production by limiting the amount of high-quality produce reaching the market. This study used a largely qualitative approach to understand the mechanisms tomato farmers in Wakiso and Luwero districts in Central Uganda use to reduce post-harvest losses at farm level. The study reveals that the Assila F1 Hybrid is the predominant variety—chosen for its firmness, extended shelf life, and resistance to pests and diseases. Farmers adopted staggered planting to manage post-harvest losses, harvesting mature green tomatoes in the morning and evening. However, a lack of technical expertise resulted in a deficiency of deliberate post-harvest treatments, and the absence of a mandatory body for produce inspection negatively impacted quality. Individual sales by farmers without standardized measurements also contributed to exploitation by middlemen. The study recommends farmers’ capacity building in appropriate post-harvest handling practices.