The banana postharvest value chain analysis in Zimbabwe
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the banana industry in Zimbabwe focusing on postharvest losses along the value chain (VC).
Design/methodology/approach
The study evaluated the banana industry in Zimbabwe focusing on postharvest losses along the VC.
Findings
Total postharvest losses for 2011-2012 were estimated to be 24-27 per cent of total production with a minimum economic loss of USD69,983/annum/firm, and a total loss of more than USD500,000/annum between the VCs analysed. The bulk of the losses occurred at farm level during handling and transportation. The major factors contributing to banana postharvest losses were: unreliable transport, poor communication and coordination between producers and processors; lack of or inefficient temperature management and poor sanitation.
Practical implications
The study identified production capacity, quality and branding as opportunities and challenges in the banana industry. Currently, there is a 40 per cent unmet local demand for bananas and hence there are no exports. If modern banana handling systems are employed and more research and development is carried out along the VC, postharvest losses can be reduced significantly, resulting in increased income and potential expansion of the industry.
Originality/value
This is the first known attempt to analyse the banana VC in southern Africa and quantify postharvest losses.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the management of ZN Fruits and Haulage, SNV Zimbabwe, the Horticulture Branch in the Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension services (AGRITEX), FAVCO, Fangudu Farm, Tonmight Farm, Chipinge banana small-scale farmers, Harare banana local vendors and Mbare Musika (public market) banana wholesalers for sharing their banana knowledge and experiences and allowing the authors to carry out the study.
Citation
Mvumi, B., Matsikira, L.T. and Mutambara, J. (2016), "The banana postharvest value chain analysis in Zimbabwe", British Food Journal, Vol. 118 No. 2, pp. 272-285. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-08-2014-0293
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited