Onions, a major commercial vegetable crop, suffer losses during off-season storage due to sprouting and weight loss. This study examined the impact of different storage systems on the storability of onion bulbs under three storage conditions: a conventional onion storage system (COSS), the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute's (NSPRI) solar storage system (NSCSS), and a low-cost onion storage system (LCOSS). 2,500 kg of fresh red onions were procured, sorted, and stored for a period of six months, between March and September. Samples were taken randomly every month to analyse their physical and chemical changes. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were performed on the data recorded using SPSS at a significant difference of (p<0.05). It was observed that when relative humidity increases, particularly over 50%, there is a corresponding rise in the percentage weight loss of the stored onion. An average weight loss of 73.3%, 71.2%, and 85.6% was recorded at the end of the experiment for LCOSS, NSCSS, and COSS, respectively. A significant increase (p<0.05) in total polyphenols from 5.50 ± 0.55 GAE (mg/g) in all storage systems was observed during the study, with a steady increase (approximately 28.9%) in OSS, which is 37.7% higher than in other systems at the end of storage time. However, ascorbic acid declined significantly, with less than 50% retained beyond the third month. The dietary energy value decreased significantly (p<0.05) by 62.2%, 22.7%, and 32.8% in NSCSS, LCOSS, and Conventional, respectively. The study showed that LCOSS reduced sprouting. However, there is a need to modify both NSCSS and LCOSS to minimise weight loss.
Due to improper handling and inadequate storage system, postharvest losses in developing countries are as high as 50% for the nutrient-rich but perishable tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). This systematic review, conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and founded on a targeted literature search of Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar (2013–2025), aimed to identify good storage practices and their effects on tomato quality. Six terms were utilized, and studies were included based on relevance, peer-review status, and focus on comparative storage outcomes. Five storage techniques, cold storage, evaporative cooling, ambient storage, refrigeration, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), were compared with an emphasis on the impact of storage on nutritional, physical, microbiological, and economic quality of tomatoes. Trial and reviewed paper evidence suggested that while refrigeration and MAP both maintain vitamin C and lycopene content well, their use is often limited by cost and infrastructure constraints under low-resource conditions. Cold storage, while resource demanding, remains optimal for long-term preservation. Evaporative cooling provides a low-cost alternative, reducing spoilage and weight loss modestly under rural conditions. Ambient storage, although most practiced, contributes significantly to degradation and microbial growth. Emerging and new technologies such as IoT monitoring, predictive microbial modeling, and metabolomics open up new avenues to optimize postharvest outcomes. Ultimately, this review identifies the need for context-specific, sustainable storage solutions that are a compromise of cost, availability, and technology, and proposes localized interventions to reduce tomato losses across diverse value chains and climates.
Malnutrition remains a persistent challenge in developing countries, necessitating the development of affordable, nutrient-dense complementary foods for infants and young children. This study investigated the production and quality evaluation of custard powder formulated from maize, soybean, and crayfish blends. Five formulations were developed, comprising one control and four experimental samples with varying proportions of the three ingredients. Using standard analytical procedures, the samples were analyzed for proximate composition, anti-nutrient content, micronutrient profile, and sensory attributes. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS version 21.0, with differences between means determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p < 0.05. Results showed that protein content significantly increased (13.99% to 16.92%) in the fortified samples compared to the control, alongside higher fat levels (19.17% to 24.62%). Anti-nutrient levels such as phytate, oxalate, and tannins remained within safe dietary limits, with phytate reduced to below 5 mg/100 g across fortified samples. Micronutrient analysis indicated elevated calcium and vitamin A content in the fortified blends, although slight decreases in some minerals were observed. Sensory evaluation revealed that while the fortified samples scored lower in taste and texture than the control, they remained generally acceptable. Overall, blending maize with soybean and crayfish significantly improved the nutritional quality of custard powder without compromising safety or overall acceptability, providing a cost-effective and sustainable approach to enhancing complementary foods for infants and young children in low-resource settings.
Adequate postharvest handling is crucial for household food security and prevents unanticipated losses. This study aimed to assess postharvest practices among rural women in Kwara State. The study specifically outlined the respondents' socio-economic characteristics, identified postharvest activities at the household level, and investigated the sources of information on postharvest management practices among rural women. Using a three-stage random sampling technique, 160 respondents were selected from eight rural communities in Kwara State. The respondents' information was gathered using a structured interview schedule. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage, and the hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC). The results showed that the respondents' average age was 46.3 years, 75.6% were married, and 43.8% had a secondary school certificate. Radio is the most popular source of information on postharvest practices (MS=2.74). The predominant postharvest practices utilized by rural women at the household level are sorting (MS=2.96), drying (MS=2.69), and storage (MS=2.63). A significant relationship exists between respondents' strategies for reducing postharvest loss of farm products and their age (r = 0.246, p < 0.05), education level (r = 0.294, p < 0.01), household size (r = 0.352, p < 0.01), access to extension agents (r = 0.421, p < 0.01) and information sources (r = 0.213, p < 0.05). Rural women used postharvest techniques, including sorting, threshing, cleaning, drying, storing, and marketing. Therefore, information on these postharvest practices should be communicated via radio to reach a significant number of rural women.
This study evaluated the nutritional impact of fortifying gari, a widely consumed cassava-based staple in West Africa, using Provitamin A-dense cassava (TMS IKN130010) and nutrient-dense ingredients, Bambara nut flour, date powder, and baobab pulp flour. Fortified gari samples (FG1–FG6) were formulated in varying proportions, with FG7 serving as the control (100% cassava). Proximate and mineral compositions were analysed over a 3-month storage period to assess nutrient retention and stability. Results revealed that fortification significantly enhanced protein (11.55 g/100 g in FG3), crude fibre (12.38 g/100 g in FG5), and ash content (3.00 g/100 g in FG3) compared to the control. FG3 and FG6 exhibited superior mineral profiles, with elevated levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Critical mineral-to-mineral ratios (Zn/Cu, Ca/Mg, Na/K, Fe/Zn) across all fortified samples remained within recommended thresholds for diabetes and cardiovascular risk management. Notably, FG4 and FG5 exhibited the most favourable ratios required for mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Storage trials demonstrated minimal degradation of protein and fat, with slight increases in energy content attributed to moisture loss and compositional concentration. These findings highlight the potential of nutrient fortification in transforming gari into a functional food that can address micronutrient deficiencies and metabolic health risks in sub-Saharan Africa. Further research into bioavailability, sensory attributes, and consumer acceptability is recommended to support large-scale adoption.
Agriculture is still the backbone of Nigeria's economy, providing jobs for over 70% of the population and significantly contributing to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study investigates the adoption and impact of two postharvest technologies; Hermetic Steel Drums (HSD) and Parabolic-Shaped Solar Dryers (PSSD) among smallholder farmers in Bauchi and Nassarawa States, Nigeria. The research focuses on farmers' socioeconomic characteristics, adoption patterns, income effects, stakeholder perceptions, technology improvements, and willingness to pay. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of using NSPRI technologies on income before and after adoption, and to assess stakeholder feedback on the technology enhancement. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 121 participants for the study. Findings revealed a high willingness to pay for both technologies, with 98.6% for HSD and 98.1% for PSSD. However, there is a notable difference in user engagement: while 50.7% of HSD users reported sharing feedback, only 21.2% of PSSD users did so. Agricultural Development Programs (ADPs) were the primary feedback channels (44.9% for HSD and 11.5% for PSSD). Users identified areas requiring improvement, including the drum's capacity (HSD), tray size, air vent, and aspirator design (PSSD). The study highlights the critical role of stakeholder engagement in enhancing postharvest technologies. It emphasises the need to address systemic constraints and minimal credit access to promote sustainable adoption and scalability.
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) are considered one of the top sources of Provitamin A. It was incorporated into soybean cheese–like (awara) at varying proportions. Five (5) samples were produced using the following formulation ratio of soy bean and orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) (80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80) and (100:0) as a control sample. The samples produced were evaluated for mineral content, anti-nutritional factor and sensory attribute, and the results were statistically analysed (ANOVA) for mean and standard deviation. The Anti nutritional factors and mineral composition of cheese-like (awara) samples showed a significant (p<0.05) difference among all the samples. The oxalate ranged from (2.86 – 4.65 mg/100g), phytate (0.30 – 1.28 mg/100g), tannin (103.58 – 125.78 mg/100g), and the trypsin inhibitor ranged from (7.59 – 18.92 mg/100g). The mineral content, Zn ranged from (1.42 – 2.54 mg/L), Fe (2.58 – 7.45 mg/L), Mg (1.66 – 3.92 mg/L), K (22.55 – 40.05 mg/L) and Na (6.36 – 9.28 mg/L). The sensory attribute of the cheese -like (awara) samples showed significant (P<0.05) difference among the samples, where the appearance ranged from (7.30 – 8.50), taste (6.20 – 8.50), mouth feel (4.50 – 8.30), texture (5.20 –7.90), general acceptability (6.50 – 8.20), aroma (5.00-8.20) and flavor (5.40 -7.50). In conclusion, the incorporation of orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) to soybean cheese-like (awara) increased phytochemical and mineral content of the samples appreciably. Samples D and E had the highest mean of all the parameters evaluated and were most preferred by the panelists.
The increase in consumers' awareness of healthy snacks has called for the production of spiced snacks from citrus, such as tangelo. This study aimed to fortify tangelo with spices and evaluate the phytochemicals, dietary fibre contents, and microbial properties. In this study, fresh peeled fruits were sliced and divided into five parts, namely: tangelo fruits spiced with African cardamom (Aframomum danielli), Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), nutmeg (Monodora myristica), African pepper (Xylopia aethiopica), and an unspiced sample served as a control. The samples were dehydrated at 60 °C for 13 hours, cooled, and packed into polyethene bags before analysis. Thereafter, phytochemical, antioxidant constituents, total reducing sugar, dietary fibre, and microbial load of samples were determined for ten weeks. Results showed that dehydration generally reduced the moisture content of the spiced tangelo samples (13.78-20.67%), compared with the control (23.71%). Phenolic content (15.61-18.72 mg/g, DPPH (72.29-82.84%), tannin content (36.24–56.63 mg/g), insoluble fibre (5.68–6.27%), soluble fibre (7.56–8.32%), and total dietary fibre (13.46–14.59%) were elevated. The antimicrobial properties of the spices improved the shelf stability of the products, with Xylopia aethiopica-spiced tangelo showing the lowest bacterial load (11.00 ×10⁷ CFU/mL). The inclusion of spices improved the antioxidant, shelf-life, and dietary fibre contents of the dehydrated tangelo. In conclusion, the spices, particularly Xylopia aethiopica, are essential antimicrobial agents in enhancing the storability and nutritional properties of tangelo snacks. Findings from this study offer a prospect for producing healthy, dried fruit snacks.
Smoothie was formulated from banana, cucumber, and turmeric with an extreme vertices mixture design, and its physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties were determined using standard methods. The properties were subjected to modelling followed by validation of the models by using relevant indices: determination (R2), average absolute deviation (AAD), bias factor (Bf), and accuracy factor (Af), and then optimized. The coefficients of determination were between 0.62 and 0.87, average absolute deviation values were near zero, and bias and accuracy factors were almost 1. While banana and cucumber increased total soluble solids and titratable acidity, turmeric increased the pH of the smoothie. Only turmeric had an increasing effect on the antioxidant properties of the smoothie. Meanwhile, all the components of the smoothie enhanced the sensory properties. The proportion of banana, cucumber, and turmeric in the optimized formulation was 0.62, 0.30, and 0.08, respectively. The models showed the capability of adequately predicting the properties of the smoothie, as demonstrated by the values of indices for validation. The smoothie could be a functional beverage with enhanced properties, especially antioxidant properties. Further research is needed to ensure the shelf stability of the formulated smoothie for commercialization, wide distribution, and marketing.
Postharvest losses substantially challenge global food security, particularly in low and middle income countries. Recognising the criticality of leveraging improved/new postharvest technology to address these losses, this study assesses the gap between available postharvest technologies and their awareness and use among farmers in Osun State. The study adopts a cross-sectional research design. With the assistance of the Agricultural Development Program officers in Osun state, a total of 126 farmers were randomly selected from the three agricultural zones in the state. The survey instrument was a structured questionnaire designed to investigate awareness, provisions, use, and challenges of postharvest technologies. The result revealed an increased awareness (34.7%) and use of improved storage technologies (mainly PICS and hermetic drums) over other technologies. Very few respondents are aware of ventilated plastic crates (5.5%), multi-crop dryer machines (4.5%), evaporating coolant systems (3.4%), and cold chain technology (3.0%). Moreover, high cost is a major hindrance, not only to adoption but also to the continuous use of some postharvest technologies. The substantial role of extension officers in providing and disseminating knowledge about new technology was evident. The study recommended strengthening extension services at all governance levels to create targeted awareness on lesser-known postharvest technologies such as ventilated plastic crates and multi crop dryers. Additionally, private and public sector-backed subsidies, microcredit facilities, and cooperative financing models should be introduced to address high costs and ensure sustained adoption of postharvest technologies.
Banana (Musa acuminata) is a vital staple food, but it suffers from high postharvest losses due to rapid ripening and poor processing. This study designed and evaluated a low-cost solar dryer for banana flour production to reduce postharvest losses. The dryer, constructed using local materials with surfaces of aluminium foil paper and aluminium tall-list (aluminium alloy 6061 (Magnesium and Silicon) drying, incorporated solar-powered fans for forced convection. It is backed with a tall black aluminium list to trap solar radiation. Experiments compared five treatments in quadruplicate: aluminium foil paper without a fan (T1), aluminium tall-list without a fan (T2), aluminium foil with a fan (T3), aluminium tall-list with a fan (T4), and open air drying (control, T5). Economic analyses were performed to assess the economic viability of the drying systems. Results revealed that there was no significant difference between treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, which performed better than the control. Aluminium surfaces enhanced heat retention, with internal temperatures reaching 53.1 °C in T1 compared to ambient (30 °C). Fan-assisted drying reduced drying time by 50% compared to natural convection, while aluminium surfaces alone (T2) also outperformed the control. Passive dryers (T2) are optimal for short-term return on investment (26-day Payback Period (PBP). Fan-assisted dryers (T4) maximise long term profitability (4.760,000M CFA net profit). The study concludes that solar assisted drying with aluminium surfaces and forced convection significantly improves efficiency, offering a cost-effective solution for small-scale processors in tropical regions. Future research should explore hybrid designs for further optimisation.
The high moisture content of tomato fruits limits their storage and availability. This study evaluated the role of drying in extending shelf life and its effect on nutritional quality. Fresh samples (10 kg) were processed by sun-drying (36–40 °C, 7 days) and oven-drying (50 °C, 17 h). Proximate, mineral, and vitamin contents were analysed using standard laboratory methods. Dried samples were packaged in aluminium foil and stored for 12 weeks in a dry cabinet. After this storage period, post-storage analyses were conducted. Drying was observed to significantly reduce moisture and increase ash, fibre, protein, and carbohydrates (p ≤ 0.05). Sun-dried tomatoes retained higher ash (5.90 ± 0.44 %), fibre (3.07 ± 0.04 %), protein (7.01 ± 0.01 %), and carbohydrates (75.12 ± 0.01 %), while oven-dried samples had higher fat (1.09 ± 0.04 %) and moisture (13.00 ± 0.10 %) (p≤0.05). After storage, moisture, ash, and fibre levels declined, whereas protein and carbohydrate levels increased. Mineral analysis revealed a decrease in phosphorus, sodium, calcium, and iron after drying, while nitrogen, magnesium, and zinc levels increased. Oven-dried samples preserved higher nitrogen (2.52 ± 0.02%), potassium (166.07 ± 0.0001 mg/100g), and iron (0.44 ± 0.02 mg/100g) levels (p ≤ 0.05). Vitamins A, C, folate, β-carotene, and lycopene declined significantly after drying. Oven-drying retained more vitamin C (10.03 ± 0.02 mg/100 g), β-carotene (14.28 ± 0.04 mg/100 g), and lycopene (28.19 ± 0.002 mg/100 g) (p≤0.05). Storage further reduced the levels of calcium, sodium, and lycopene. Drying effectively extended the shelf life of tomato fruits, and oven-drying better preserved sensitive micronutrients, supporting its use in small- and medium-scale processing.
This study examined the assessment of constraints of fish processing and storage technologies among processors and marketers in Delta State, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, assess their awareness of fish processing and storage technologies, and identify the most frequently used technologies and associated constraints. A total of 180 respondents were selected through simple random, snowball, and purposive sampling techniques, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using frequency counts, percentages, and mean rankings. Results revealed that 61.7% of respondents were female, 81.1% were married, and the mean household size was five persons. About 47.2% had secondary education, while 42.8% sourced capital from cooperatives. Locally fabricated smoking kilns were the most commonly used (34.4%), but were constrained by cuts, burns, and stressful use. For modern smoking kilns, high cost and poor access to improved technologies were the most critical challenges. The study concludes that although modern technologies such as the NSPRI smoking kiln and iced fish box offer improved efficiency and product quality, their adoption remains low due to high costs, limited awareness, and poor accessibility. It is recommended that government agencies, research institutes, and development partners intensify efforts in developing and disseminating affordable and user-friendly technologies, strengthening extension services, providing financial support, and implementing gender-sensitive policies to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the livelihoods of small-scale fish processors in Delta State.
Postharvest storage of yam products in traditional polypropylene bags often results in high losses due to insect infestation, microbial growth, and deterioration of physical and chemical qualities. This study evaluated two hermetic storage technologies, ZeroFly Hermetic (ZFH) and Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags, for preserving yam chips and yam flour over six months. A completely randomized design with three treatments (PICS, ZFH, and control) was used to assess insect infestation, proximate composition, functional properties, pasting characteristics, microbial load, and sensory attributes. Results showed that ZFH bags maintained superior sensory quality (appearance: 7.80; overall acceptability: 7.40), whereas PICS bags provided the best protection against insect infestation. Moisture content remained stable in hermetic bags (13.51 ± 0.01% for chips; 16.05 ± 0.01% for flour), unlike the control, where significant increases were observed (15.06 ± 0.01% and 15.01 ± 0.01%, respectively). Peak viscosity declined during storage (from 5920–5938 RVU to 3689–4080 RVU), with greater reductions in the control. Microbial load was also highest in the control (2.3 × 10⁶ sfu/g in chips; 7.7 × 10⁴ sfu/g in flour), while hermetic storage effectively suppressed fungal growth. Insect emergence was substantial in control bags (T. castaneum: 87.33; A. fasciculatus: 65.33) but minimal in both hermetic options. Overall, hermetic storage significantly enhanced yam product preservation. ZFH bags are most suitable for maintaining sensory quality, while PICS bags excel in insect control. Storing yams as chips further improved moisture stability. Both technologies represent practical postharvest interventions for extending shelf life and safeguarding yam quality.
Sliced fruits are widely consumed for their nutritional benefits; however, improper handling can lead to microbial contamination, posing public health risks. Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen capable of transmission through contaminated food. This research focused on detecting the presence of Serratia marcescens in sliced fruits sold in the Yakuba area of Ilorin. A total of 50 samples comprising watermelon (36%), pawpaw (34%), and pineapple (30%) were collected from six vendors. Isolation and identification of Serratia marcescens were performed using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was also conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Two isolates were identified as Serratia marcescens, accounting for 4% of all samples; both were found in watermelon, giving a fruit specific prevalence of 11.11% (2/18). No contamination was detected in pawpaw or pineapple samples. The contaminated samples originated exclusively from Vendor 3, resulting in a vendor-specific contamination rate of 22.22%. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that the isolates were 100% susceptible to ceftriaxone, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, and tetracycline but showed complete resistance to ampicillin. In conclusion, the sliced fruit samples were contaminated with Serratia marcescens, and the isolates were resistant to one of the commonly used antibiotics.