Survey on Post-harvest Handling Practices among Farmers and Grocers: Yardsticks for Household and Society Food Security in Oshimili South Local Government Area, Delta State

Abstract

This study equipped food producers and grocers with fundamental information and abilities in safe food handling procedures that guarantee food security in Oshimili South LGA households and public dining establishments. This study was led by three (3) objectives and three (3) research questions. The researchers employed a survey research design, the population for the study consisted of all food producers, public eateries, and household grocers. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select twenty-five (25) respondents from each category. Two questionnaires were used for data collection; the first was designed for food producers while the second was for food handlers. Both were structured in four (4) point Likert scales. Data generated from the field was analyzed using mean statistics. The result revealed in Research Question 1, a grand X of 2.3,  Research Question 2 (AB) a grand X of 2.4, and Research Question 3, a grand X of 2.4. Based on these findings the researchers recommended that the local government through the office of the Agricultural Extension Department of the Ministry of Agriculture should organize, workshops for farmers to orientate them on the dos and don’ts in crop production to enhance food security in the home and the society. The local government through the health centres, should also organize seminars to sensitize its citizens on the importance of hygienic practices in food handling to prevent food-borne diseases and infections.