The Effect of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses on Food Security of Producing Households: TheCase of Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia

The Effect of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses on Food Security of Producing Households: TheCase of Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article The Effect of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses on Food Security of Producing Households: TheCase of Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia Asfaw Fita Bayu, Admasu Shibiru, Merga Abdissa Aga This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7110032/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 11 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study investigates the impact of papaya post-harvest losses on the food security status of producing households in Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collected through focus group discussions and structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations) were used to summarize household practices, while an ordinal logistic regression model was applied to examine the relationship between post-harvest loss and household food security status. A total of 212 papaya-producing households were surveyed, with 90% of respondents being male. Household monthly incomes ranged from ETB 3,000 to 7,500. Although all respondents practiced fruit grading, only 7.5% adopted post-harvest technologies aimed at extending shelf-life, such as timing and occasion of harvest. On average, 8.87% of total papaya production and 9.5% of potential sales revenue were lost due to post-harvest handling inefficiencies. Regarding food security, 59.5% of households were food secure, while 23% were mildly food insecure, 9% moderately food insecure, and 8.5% severely food insecure. The findings highlight the need for strengthened institutional support, including training and technical assistance, to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security among smallholder papaya producers. Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental social sciences Health sciences/Health care post-harvest loss food security household practices papaya production harvest technology Ethiopia Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 1. INTRODUCTION Fruits can be broadly classified into fleshy and dry types. Fleshy fruits include berries, aggregates, and multiple fruits such as papaya, avocado, and banana (Nimona, 2017 ). Among these, papaya ( Carica papaya ) is one of the most important tropical fruits, known for its high nutritional and medicinal value. Originating from the tropical Americas, papaya has spread widely and is now cultivated in several countries for both local consumption and export. Global papaya production has steadily increased over the last five decades, expanding from 114,192 hectares in 1961 to over 438,000 hectares by 2010 (Gabriela & Santamaria, 2014). During the 2008–2010 period, Asia accounted for 52.5% of global papaya production, followed by South America (23.1%) and Africa (13.2%) (Dadi Tolessa Lemma et al., 2017). Ethiopia ranks among the top ten papaya-producing countries in the world (Edossa et al., 2021). In Ethiopia, papaya is a significant fruit crop grown in home gardens and semi-commercial farms by smallholders and investors. It is widely consumed fresh and has emerging uses in the food and cosmetic industries. Between 2011 and 2015, the area under papaya cultivation increased from 22,262 to 40,435 hectares — an 81.6% rise within five years (Dadi Tolessa Lemma et al., 2017). The fruit is rich in water (85%), sugar (10–13%), proteins (0.6%), and vitamins B1, B2, and C. It is also used for producing papain, a valuable enzyme for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Despite its high productivity — reaching up to 170.5 quintals per hectare (CSA, 2012) — papaya is highly perishable. In developing countries, food losses tend to occur at the production and handling stages, largely due to poor infrastructure and limited post-harvest technologies (FAO, 2014 ). In Ethiopia, papaya post-harvest losses are significant and can occur at multiple stages. For example, a study in Jimma town reported losses of 21.75% at the wholesale level, 15.6% at the retail level, 12.5% during transportation, and 9.25% during storage, totaling 37.35% loss (Dadi Tolessa Lemma et al., 2017). Such losses are attributed to inadequate handling practices, poor storage and transport facilities, lack of grading and packing materials, and limited knowledge of shelf-life extension techniques. In the study area, Dugda Wereda similar challenges hinder papaya producers from minimizing post-harvest losses and maximizing income and food security. The broader implications of food loss are alarming. For instance, Ethiopia experienced post-harvest grain losses of 2.04 million tons while importing 1.16 million tons to meet national demand (US Department of State, 2013; AUC, 2018). However, while there is some data on the extent of papaya post-harvest losses, little is known about their direct impact on household food security in rural Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by assessing the extent of papaya post-harvest losses and their effect on the food security status of producing households in Dugda Wereda, specifically in Bakale Girisa and Shubi Gemo kebeles. The findings will inform strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security among smallholder farmers. 2. RESEARCH METHODS 2.1 Description of the study area The study was conducted in two selected kebeles — Bakele Girisa and Shubi Gemo — located in Dugda Woreda, East Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, approximately 143 km southeast of Addis Ababa. Dugda Woreda, whose administrative center is Meki Town, lies in the central part of the Great Rift Valley and comprises 37 rural and 3 urban kebeles. The woreda is geographically positioned at 8°9′N latitude and 38°49′E longitude, at an elevation of 1,636 meters above sea level (CSA, 2008). It is bordered by Hora-Dambal, Adami Tullu and Jido Kombolcha to the south, the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region to the west, the Southwest Shewa Zone to the northwest, Ada'a Chukala across the Awash River to the north, Koka Reservoir and Adama to the northeast, and the Arsi Zone to the east. Dugda Woreda covers a total area of 1,459.53 square kilometers. Of this area, 65.25% is cultivated land, 8.32% is forest, 3.55% is grassland, 12.54% consists of water bodies, and the remainder includes swampy areas (0.31%) and mountainous regions (10.03%). The agroecological zones include Woyna Dega (45%) and Kola (55%), supporting both crop and livestock production. Irrigation-based horticultural farming is prevalent due to the availability of rivers and crater lakes. The average annual temperature is 18.7°C, and the annual rainfall is approximately 892 mm (SCA, 2007). The altitude ranges between 1,500 m and over 2,300 m. The two kebeles, Bakele Girisa and Shubi Gemo, are located 12 km and 9 km, respectively, from Meki Town. According to the 2007 national census (CSA), the total population of the woreda was 144,910, with 74,561 males and 70,349 females. 2.2 Research Design and Approach A cross-sectional research design was employed to examine the effects of papaya post-harvest losses on the food security status of producing households. The study used a mixed-methods approach , incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data . Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations, frequencies) were used to assess household post-harvest handling practices. Inferential statistics, including ordinal logistic regression , were applied to evaluate the relationship between post-harvest losses and household food security. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). 2.3 Sample Size Determination and Sampling Techniques Sample Size Determination and Sampling Techniques Dugda Woreda was purposively selected due to its high concentration of papaya producers. Two kebeles, Bakele Girisa and Shubi Gemo, were selected based on their significant levels of papaya production. The target population in these kebeles was estimated at 450 papaya-producing households. The sample size was calculated using Yamane’s (1967) formula at a 5% margin of error: Where, N= Total number of population e= Errors Thus, a sample of 212 households was selected using systematic sampling. A complete list of papaya-producing households was obtained from local agricultural offices, and every third household was selected. 2.4 Data Types and Sources Both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires, FGDs, and KIIs. Secondary data were obtained from published reports, agricultural offices, and related literature. 2.5 Data Collection Methods Key Informant Interview (Kii) In-depth interviews were conducted with six key informants, including experts from agricultural and development offices in the two selected kebeles. These interviews helped contextualize farmer practices and constraints related to papaya post-harvest losses. Questionnaire Survey Information was gathered using quantitative and qualitative survey questionnaires about the effect of papaya post-harvest loss at the household level and post-harvest loss at market level. In both cases, the quantities and values are different at various stages due to the different constraints. The total of the respondents was 212 then developed semi questionnaire was translated into the local language, Afan Oromo‟ or ‘Amharic’ for the convenience of data collection during the survey. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Each specific objective was addressed using different techniques as described bellows. 2.6 Objectives and Analytical Methods Objective 1: Examine Papaya Post-Harvest Handling Practices Household practices regarding harvest timing, packaging, and transportation were assessed using descriptive statistics. SPSS version 20 was used for analysis. Qualitative data from FGDs, KIIs, and observations were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. Objective 2: Estimate the Amount and Value of Post-Harvest Losses Post-harvest loss data were collected in both quantitative (weight and price) and qualitative (observations and interviews) forms. Financial estimates were calculated using local market prices during harvest and sale periods. Objective 3: Identify Constraints to Post-Harvest Handling Constraints such as poor storage, inadequate transportation, improper harvesting, and lack of grading or packing materials were identified using both survey data and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression. Objective 4: Assess Household Food Security Status The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) developed by FANTA (2006) was employed to measure food security. The tool comprises nine questions, each with a 30-day recall period. Frequency-of-occurrence responses were coded as: 0 = never 1 = rarely (1–2 times) 2 = sometimes (3–10 times) 3 = often (>10 times) The HFIAS score ranges from 0 (fully food secure) to 27 (severely food insecure), with higher scores indicating higher levels of insecurity. Households were categorized as food secure, mildly insecure, moderately insecure, or severely food insecure. The relationship between food security status and post-harvest losses was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression, which is suitable for ordinal dependent variables (Agresti, 2001). Ethics approval and consent to participate This study was reviewed and approved by the Center for Food Security Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations set forth by Addis Ababa University and the Declaration of Helsinki. Prior to the start of the survey, the purpose and procedures of the study were clearly explained to all participants, and informed consent was obtained from each household head before the administration of the questionnaire. 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS This section presents and discusses the findings of the study. It is organized into two main parts: the first summarizes the descriptive results related to demographic and handling practices using statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while the second examines household food security and post-harvest losses using both descriptive and inferential statistics. 3.1 Characteristic of study population The survey included 212 papaya-producing households. Respondents' socio-demographic data are presented in Table 1. Ages ranged from 34 to 72 years. The vast majority (90%) were male and all were married. Family sizes ranged between four and eight members. Regarding education, 7.5% had completed grades 1-4, 20.3% grades 5-8, 64.6% secondary education, and 7.5% held a BSc or MSc. Monthly household incomes ranged from ETB 3,000 to 7,500. Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents Variables Categories Frequency Percent Remark Education level 1-4 grades 16 7.5 5-8 43 20.3 9-12 137 64.6 BSC/MSC 16 7.5 Total 212 100 Marital status Married 212 100 Unmaried 0 0 Sex Male 191 90 Female 21 10 Residence district of respondents Bakale Girisa 100 47.2 Shubi Gemo 112 52.8 3.2 Handling practices of papaya in the study area In the study area, all papaya producers (100%) practiced grading as the sole post-harvest technology. While all respondents acknowledged that the adoption of appropriate handling practices could reduce post-harvest losses, none reported using modified storage systems for papaya. Only 7.5% of the respondents made efforts to extend the shelf life of their papaya to minimize losses, and a similarly small proportion (7.5%) utilized improved harvesting technologies (Table 2). These findings are in line with the results reported by Bogale (2019), who emphasized that post-harvest activities commence at the point of separation of the edible product from the parent plant. This process includes multiple stages such as harvesting, transporting, gathering, packaging, sorting, storage, and marketing. Effective post-harvest management requires careful timing based on the maturity of the produce, which significantly influences subsequent handling, particularly storage and preservation. Despite this, the majority of respondents (92.5%) did not employ any form of harvesting technology for papaya. The absence of such technologies can lead to increased physical damage, deterioration, and ultimately, economic loss, reinforcing the need for better access to and training in post-harvest technologies. Table 2: Handling practice of papaya Variables Categories Frequency Percent Who mostly participate on papaya production Male 212 100 Female 0 00 Total 212 100 Do you grade papaya before packaging Yes 212 100 No 0 0 Total 212 100 Do you think using of handling practices can minimize losses? Yes 212 100 No 0 00 Total 212 100 Do you use of modified storage? Yes 0 0 No 212 100 Total 212 100 Are you always tried to prolong the shelf life of your papaya? Yes 32 15.1 No 180 84.9 Total 212 100 Which technology do you use to prolong the shelf life of papayas? Refrigerator 0 0 Zero energy cooling chamber 0 0 Grading 212 100 Total 212 100 Do you use of modified transportation(truck, car) Yes 140 34 No 72 66 Total 212 100 Do you use technology to harvest papayas? Yes 16 7.5 No 196 92.5 Total 212 100 Source: own survey data (2022) Transportation represents a critical stage in the post-harvest supply chain, as a significant proportion of agricultural produce is lost during this phase due to improper handling and inadequate infrastructure. Ensuring a fast, efficient, and gentle transportation system is vital for the successful marketing and distribution of perishable goods such as papaya. For households engaged in fruit production, minimizing physical movement and mechanical injury to the fruit during transport is essential. This observation is supported by the FAO (1986), which highlights that the selection of appropriate transport vehicles is crucial to protect produce from physical damage, as well as from exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as sun and rain. Moreover, the report recommends transporting fruits during cooler hours (night or early morning) and utilizing ventilated or refrigerated vehicles to reduce spoilage. However, as shown in Figure 2, all respondents (100%) reported using only grading as part of their transportation process. None had access to or used refrigeration or zero energy cooling chamber technologies for papaya transport. According to one key informant, “Papaya producers convey their fruit to designated areas accessible to wholesalers using carts drawn by horses, mules, and donkeys.” This traditional method, though commonly used, contributes to physical damage and increased post-harvest loss due to lack of temperature control and mechanical cushioning. Additionally, respondents cited high transportation costs and limited market access as major barriers to selling their produce in central markets. While some wholesalers occasionally visit production sites with their own vehicles, this support is inconsistent and insufficient to meet the needs of all producers. This situation underscores the need for investment in better transportation infrastructure and cold chain facilities to reduce post-harvest loss and improve market access for smallholder farmers. As illustrated in Figure 3, only 34% of respondents reported using modified transportation methods—such as vehicles equipped with improved handling features—for transporting papaya, while the remaining 66% did not utilize any technological interventions during the transportation process. This limited adoption of improved transport technologies suggests that a significant portion of papaya producers rely on traditional or less effective methods, potentially contributing to increased post-harvest losses due to mechanical damage and spoilage during transit. With regard to ripening techniques, the majority of respondents (85%) indicated that they ripen papaya by placing the fruits in closed bags, while the remaining 15% reported using a more traditional method of placing the fruits on a wooden platform to facilitate ripening, as shown in According to data from Table 3, the majority of respondents (92.5%) reported producing papaya primarily for market purposes, while only 7.5% produced papaya for household consumption. This finding aligns with Dadi Tolessa Lemma et al. (2017), who noted that papaya is cultivated both at home garden and semi-commercial levels by farmers, and at the commercial level by state farms, serving both household and market demands. Furthermore, 92.5% of respondents indicated that they had received training on papaya handling practices and post-harvest loss management, while 7.5% had not received any form of training. Among those trained, 19.3% attended only once, and 65.7% participated two to three times. Notably, all respondents expressed willingness to adopt post-harvest technologies if made available, suggesting high potential for intervention uptake. On average, households travel 134.3 kilometers to reach market centers. As a result, all respondents reported selling their papaya to wholesalers, primarily due to the long distance and lack of direct market access. Additionally, 92.5% felt they did not receive fair prices for their produce. Most respondents (88.2%) do not wait for better offers and sell immediately, while only 11.8% wait up to two days to secure fairer prices. Key informants revealed that papaya producers generally rely on brokers or wholesalers from Addis Ababa and other areas, often lacking adequate market information. This observation is supported by Amanda (2014), who reported that the central market for horticultural products in Ethiopia is located in Addis Ababa, and many actors are unaware of alternative distribution centers. Similarly, Emana et al. (2007) emphasized that agricultural markets in Ethiopia often fail to add value beyond relocating produce to consumers, with limited information systems and numerous intermediaries acting as major constraints. Regarding packaging practices, 92.9% of respondents used wooden boxes, while 7.1% used no packaging materials. This supports Wills et al. (1989), who highlighted the evolution of packaging materials from woven leaves and natural fibers to more protective options. Effective packaging is not only essential for ease of handling but also preserves post-harvest quality, reduces transpiration and respiration losses, and can enhance market value. According to Wills et al. (1989) and Irtwenge (2006), packaging systems must be product-specific, providing protection against physical damage, humidity loss, and metabolic deterioration. Therefore, papaya packaging remains a critical element in maintaining quality during transportation and distribution. Table 3: Thoughts of training on papaya post-harvest practices Variables Categories Frequency Percent Remark what are the main uses of papaya For sale 196 92.5 Own use 16 7.5 Total 212 100 Did you get training regarding handling practice and post-harvest losses of papaya? Yes 196 92.5 No 16 7.5 Total 212 100.0 frequency of order of the training 0 16 7.5 1 41 19.3 2 64 30.2 3 75 35.4 Total 196 92.5 Do you think farmers practice handling practices? Yes 212 100.0 No 0 0 Total 212 100 How long you are waiting till you get buyer? Never wait 187 88.2 2 days 25 11.8 Total 212 100 what kinds of packaging materials do you use for the movement of papayas to the market wooden box 197 92.9 Use nothing 15 7.1 Total 212 100 How do you sell your product(papaya) To wholesaler 212 100.0 Total 212 100 Do you think that you are get fair price for your product? No 196 92.5 System 16 7.5 Total 212 100.0 How is lacks of proper material affect papaya? very low 164 77.4 Low 48 22.6 Total 212 100.0 3.3 The Amount and Value of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses in the Study Area According to table 4, the average papaya production in the study area was 1,866.5 quintals, with an average production value of 2,823,962.26 birr. The estimated mean post-harvest losses were 165.7 quintals and 270,660.38 birr, respectively. This level of loss underscores the well-documented issue that post-harvest losses frequently result from inadequate handling practices and improper treatment during harvesting, marketing, transportation, and storage . Consequently, adopting effective post-harvest handling techniques is crucial to prolong the shelf life and quantity of harvested fruits. Despite this, the use of post-harvest technologies and best practices among farmers and traders remains low in ethiopia (emana et al., 2017). The data shows that about 8.87% of the total papaya production and 9.5% of the total production value were lost post-harvest. These findings align with those reported by bantayehu et al. (2017), who found higher average losses in other fruits such as avocado (28%), tomato (22%), mango (21%), and papaya (19%). The lower loss percentage in this study may be attributed to its focus on losses occurring primarily at the farmer production level, excluding other value chain stages. The average papaya production of 200 quintals per season in the study area is relatively high compared to national averages. For instance, the central statistical agency (csa, 2012) reports fruit productivity averages of papaya at 170.5 qt/ha, avocado at 81.0 qt/ha, banana at 81.2 qt/ha, and mango at 90.3 qt/ha, all significantly above the national average crop productivity of 20.0 qt/ha. Post-harvest losses in papaya negatively affect household food security by reducing both the availability and accessibility of this important food resource. Table 4: Papaya post-harvest losses in quintals and in birr Variables Frequency Minimum Maximum Mean Remark papaya production in quintals 212 200.00 3500.00 1866.5094 papaya production value in birr 212 280000.00 8000000.00 2823962.2642 Estimate papaya production losses in quintals 212 40.00 340.00 165.7075 Estimate papaya production lost value/in birr 212 140000.00 450000.00 270660.3774 3.4 Drivers of post-harvest losses of papaya in the study area As shown in Figure 5, farmers in the study area must travel an average distance of 134.3 km to reach the central market. This considerable distance compels farmers to sell their papaya products directly at the production site to wholesalers, primarily to avoid losses that might occur during transportation and to mitigate the influence of intermediaries (brokers). This finding aligns with Santos et al. (2020), who noted that post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in developing countries often occur during transportation due to factors such as improper storage, inadequate temperature control, excessive handling, and poor hygiene among sellers. Transportation is a critical phase in the supply chain, where a large portion of produce can be wasted due to poor handling and inadequate transport conditions. Ensuring a swift and proper transportation system is essential for the successful marketing and distribution of fresh produce. Special care should be taken to minimize movement and physical damage to fruits during transport. Transporting fruits during cooler periods—such as at night or early morning—and using ventilated or refrigerated vehicles can significantly reduce post-harvest losses. Ruben et al. (2007) further support this view, highlighting that although such supply systems may primarily target local markets, they often become part of larger market chains involving many intermediaries. This extended chain dilutes added value among numerous actors and limits the flow of accurate market information, which further contributes to inefficiencies and losses. 3.5 Status of pest attack on papaya According to the results shown in Figure 6, the majority of respondents (76%) reported that the pest attack on papaya is very high , while 16% indicated that the pest attack was very low , and 8% described it as medium . This finding is consistent with reports from the FAO (2006), which identify factors such as fungal diseases, physiological disorders, mechanical damage, or a combination of these as major contributors to post-harvest losses. Armstrong (1994) further noted that a variety of bacteria and fungi—including Colletotrichum , Phomopsis , Phytophthora , Rhizopus , and Fusarium —cause significant damage and losses after harvest. Understanding the infection patterns of these organisms is crucial for developing effective control measures to reduce disease incidence and minimize post-harvest losses. A lack of proper storage facilities significantly affects papaya production. As shown in Figure 7, 34% of respondents reported that the lack of adequate storage facilities has an average effect on papaya production, while 30% indicated the effect as very high, 23% as very low, and 13% as high. This finding aligns with Parfitt et al. (2010), who emphasized that the level of post-harvest losses in countries is strongly linked to the availability of technology and market development. Reducing post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables is crucial for stakeholders to adopt appropriate post-harvest technologies that extend shelf life and ensure the safety and quality of produce (Kader, 2004). Proper storage practices are essential to prevent quality deterioration of papaya fruits, primarily due to decay and accelerated softening. While storage is seldom practiced for fruits destined for local markets, fruit exports require optimal storage environments. Papaya can be stored at ambient temperatures (28–32°C) for about a week. Under refrigeration at approximately 15°C, Exotica papayas can maintain a color index of 1 for up to 22 days. However, as a tropical fruit, papaya should ideally be stored at 10–13°C to prevent chilling injury (Armstrong, 1994). Exotica papayas can be kept loosely for two to three weeks and then ripened at 25°C (Ammy Anak Stephen Nanyi, 2006). Additionally, hot water treatment can extend the storage life by effectively retarding infections (Armstrong, 1994). Concerning the ability to obtain fair prices for papaya production, 92% of respondents reported that they do not receive fair prices, while only 8% indicated that they do receive fair prices (figure 8). As illustrated in Figure 9, 38% of respondents indicated that exposure to sunlight has a significant impact on papaya fruit. In contrast, 25% believed sunlight exposure has a minimal effect, while 13% and 16% of participants reported very low and low impacts, respectively. 3.6 Implications of papaya post-harvest loss on household food security The government has consistently emphasized agricultural development in its national growth strategies. Plans such as the Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Plan (SDPRP, 2001/02), Rural Development Policy and Strategies (2003), the Plan for Accelerated and Sustainable Development to End Poverty (PASDEP, 2005/06), Growth Transformation Plan I (GTP-I, 2009/10), and its extension GTP-II (2015/16) have prioritized agriculture as a key economic growth driver (MOFED, 2002–2015). While most of these plans focused on increasing agricultural productivity and commercialization, only the recent GTP-II plan explicitly addressed minimizing post-harvest losses to ensure food security. Despite this, post-harvest loss management for fruits and vegetables has received less attention. According to the results in Table 4, papaya post-harvest loss accounted for 8.87% of total production and 9.5% of the total value lost. This loss percentage is lower than that reported by Bantayehu et al. (2017), who found higher losses for avocado (28%), tomato (22%), mango (21%), and papaya (19%). The difference arises because the present study focuses only on losses at the farmer production level, excluding other value chain stages. An 8.87% loss at the production level significantly impacts household food security. The estimated monetary loss of papaya post-harvest amounts to approximately 270,660 Ethiopian birr (equivalent to about 5,107 USD). Post-harvest losses reduce food supply, drive up market prices, and exacerbate food insecurity. The main causes of post-harvest loss include poor handling techniques, inadequate infrastructure and equipment, and limited market access (FAO, 2017). Reducing post-harvest losses between farms and markets is crucial to closing food gaps and ensuring food and nutrition security in Ethiopia. However, limited understanding of the scale and contributing factors remains a major challenge for effective implementation and scaling of post-harvest loss management strategies across crops (Sisay Debebe, 2022). 3.7 Food security status of households In this study, household food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), which measures access-related aspects of food insecurity. This standardized tool categorizes households along a continuum—from food secure to severely food insecure—based on their experiences over the previous four weeks. As presented in Table 5a, 59.4% of households were food secure, 23% were mildly food insecure, 9% moderately food insecure, and 8.5% severely food insecure. These findings align with those of Abaya Alemu and Mogessie Ashenafi (2022), who reported that 61% of fruit-producing households were food secure, compared to only 16% of non-fruit-producing households in Dugda Woreda. The results suggest that papaya production, particularly when postharvest losses are minimized, plays a significant role in enhancing household food security. Households relying on papaya as a primary food source or income are more vulnerable to food insecurity when substantial portions of their harvest are lost after harvest. Therefore, efforts to reduce papaya postharvest loss can meaningfully improve household food security in the study area. Table 5: Household Food Insecurity Status in Relation to Papaya Postharvest Loss, Dugda Woreda, East Showa Zone, Oromia Region, 2022 Table 5a: The prevalence of the study area household food insecurity access scale, 2022 HFIAS Occurrence Frequency Yes No Rarely (1) Sometimes (2) Often (3) 1. In the past four weeks, did you worry that your household would not have enough food? 127 85 34 92 0 2. In the past four weeks, were you or any household member not able to eat the kinds of foods you preferred because of a lack of resources? 49 163 6 23 20 3. In the past four weeks, did you or any household member have to eat a limited variety of foods due to a lack of resources? 68 144 49 10 9 4. In the past four weeks, did you or any household member have to eat some foods that you really did not want to eat because of a lack of resources to obtain other types of food? 68 144 49 9 10 5. In the past four weeks, did you or any household member have to eat a smaller meal than you felt you needed because there was not enough food? 37 144 12 8 17 6. In the past four weeks, did you or any other household member have to eat fewer meals in a day because there was not enough food? 37 144 12 8 17 7. In the past four weeks, was there ever no food to eat of any kind in your household because of lack of resources to get food? 17 195 17 0 0 8. In the past four weeks, did you or any household member go to sleep at night hungry because there was not enough food? 212 0 0 0 9. In the past four weeks, did you or any household member go a whole day and night without eating anything because there was not enough food? 212 0 0 0 Table 5b: Categories of food insecurity Category fruit producers Food secure 59.5% Mildly food insecure 23% Moderately food insecure 9% Severely food insecure 8.5% 3.8 Determinants of Household’s food security Table 6 presents the results of the ordinal logit model for the hypothesized variables. The key findings are as follows: Family Size: An increase in household family size is associated with a 12.47 times decrease in the likelihood of being food secure (compared to being mildly, moderately, or severely food insecure), holding other variables constant. This indicates that larger households or greater dependency increase the risk of food insecurity at all levels. Monthly Income: A rise in monthly income is linked to a 0.9159 times increase in the probability of being food secure (versus food insecure categories), controlling for other factors. This suggests that higher income reduces the risk of mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity. Total Annual Papaya Loss: An increase in total annual papaya loss decreases the odds of being food secure by a factor of 0.6774 , holding other variables constant. This means higher losses in papaya production increase the risk of food insecurity. Papaya Loss During Transport (kg): Increased papaya loss during transportation to storage reduces the chance of being food secure by a factor of 0.9934 , indicating that greater transport losses are associated with higher risk of food insecurity. Papaya Loss Due to Improper Handling or Packaging (kg): Higher losses caused by improper handling or inadequate packing materials decrease the likelihood of being food secure by a factor of 0.2049 , suggesting that these losses also significantly contribute to food insecurity risk. Overall, these results highlight that larger family size and increased papaya post-harvest losses—both in production and during handling/transport—negatively impact household food security, while higher monthly income plays a protective role (see Table 6). Table 6 . The determination of household's food security Estimate Std. Error Wald Df 95% Confidence Interval OR Sig. Lower Bound Upper Bound Intercept= 1 4.6980 1.7550 7.1650 1 0.007 1.0702 7.0753 Intercept =2 2.0054 0.4530 11.0578 1 0.001 0.7541 4.4003 Intercept = 3 6.4250 1.7370 13.6830 1 0.000 5.0560 7.9053 Age 0.3930 0.1910 2.1210 1 0.700 0.1005 0.6753 House hold size -12.4740 0.8910 195.8170 1 0.000 -14.217 -8.7520 Income 0.9159 0.2036 4.5020 1 0.000 0.6700 1.7000 Annually Papaya loss -0.6774 0.2332 2.9110 1 0.000 -1.2400 -0.1100 Loss on transportation -0.9934 0.1867 5.3200 1 0.005 -0.8700 -0.0100 Inappropriate storage loss in kg -0.3005 0.1709 1.7600 1 0.078 -0.9600 -0.0800 Improper handling loss -0.2049 0.1761 -1.1600 1 0.045 -0.5700 -0.1500 U se of improper display material Source: own survey data (2022) CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Conclusion This study reveals that enhancing the knowledge and practices of papaya-producing households regarding post-harvest loss mitigation can significantly reduce losses in the study area and similar agroecological zones in Ethiopia. The quantified losses in papaya production, both in quantity (quintals) and monetary value (Birr), have a substantial negative impact on household food security. The survey of 212 households showed that while all respondents practiced grading and acknowledged the importance of improved handling, only a small proportion (7.5%) employed technologies to extend shelf life or improve harvesting. Most households produce papaya for market sale and have received some training on post-harvest practices. Yet, transportation challenges, high costs, and market access issues persist, resulting in an estimated 8.87% post-harvest loss by volume and 9.5% by value. These losses, though lower than some previous reports, significantly reduce household income and contribute to food insecurity. Food security assessment indicated that 59.5% of households were food secure, while over 40% experienced varying degrees of food insecurity. Given the reliance on papaya for food and income, minimizing post-harvest losses represents a critical pathway to improving food and nutrition security in the region. Recommendation Regional and federal agricultural offices, alongside international organizations such as FAO, should prioritize expanding training and technical support on post-harvest loss management to papaya producers. Investments are needed to improve market infrastructure and strengthen the market chain, reducing the influence of intermediaries and enhancing direct market access for smallholder farmers. Enhanced storage facilities and transportation technologies should be introduced to reduce physical damage and spoilage during handling and transit. Food security interventions should focus on increasing household income sources and minimizing post-harvest losses to alleviate food insecurity. Future research should broaden to include larger geographic areas and diverse methodologies to deepen understanding of post-harvest losses and food security dynamics. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate This study was reviewed and approved by the Center for Food Security Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations set forth by Addis Ababa University and the Declaration of Helsinki. Prior to the start of the survey, the purpose and procedures of the study were clearly explained to all participants, and informed consent was obtained from each household head before the administration of the questionnaire. Conflict of Interest The authors have no potential conflict of interest. Funding The authors have no received any fund for this study Author Contribution This work was conducted as part of A.F’s Master’s thesis in center of food security at Addis Ababa University. The research was planned and designed by at, A. F and A. S. The first draft of the manuscript was written by A.F and revised the manuscript by M.A. Data presentation and analysis were done by M. A. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript for submission. Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge Addis Ababa University (AAU) for supporting this research. This manuscript is based on the Master’s thesis of Asfaw Fita Bayu, titled “The Effect of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses on Food Security of Producing Households: The Case of Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia,” which has been published and is accessible in the AAU institutional repository. The thesis was submitted under the supervision of Dr. Admasu Shibiru and can be accessed at: https://etd.aau.edu.et/server/api/core/bitstreams/54ff1ed2-3a29-4dfa-8053-e141a1f73705/content Data Availability The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. References Abaya Alemu and Mogessie Ashenafi. (2022). Household food security, child nutrition and food safety among fruit producers and non-producers in Dugda woreda, Oromia region, Ethiopia African Union commission (2018) Post-Harvest Loss Management Strateg Ammy Anak Stephen Nanyi (2006)Post-Harvest Treatment of Papaya (Carica Papaya L.) Angrist, J. D. (2001). Estimation of limited dependent variable models with dummy endogenous regressors: simple strategies for empirical practice. Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, 19 (1), 2–16 Armstrong, J.W.(1994) Tropical and subtropical fruits. In: R.E. Paull and J.W. 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Lemma Ayele , Edossa Etissa1 , Asmare Dagnew1 , Wagayehu Assefa , Girma Kebede , Mekasha Girma , Kidist Firde , and Merkedu Ayalew (2017)Development of Hermaphrodite Papaya (Carica papaya L.) varieties for production in Ethiopia. Mangal J.L, Anurag Dhyani, Institute of Horticulture Technology Greater Noida, NCR Region, U.P(2016)Post Harvest Technology of Fruits and Fruits. Mary Gorret(2020) Post-harvest practices along supply chains of Solanum Aethiopicum (Shum) and Amaranthus lividus (linn) leafy fruits in Wakiso and Kampala districts, Uganda Meskerem Abi and Degefa Tolossa(2015) Center for Food Security Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia: Center for Rural Development, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia Messay Mulugeta (2008). Causes of Rural Household Food Insecurity: A Case from Kuyu District, Central Ethiopia.Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa 11 (4). Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, Pennsylvania MOFED. ( 2003) The Rural Development Policy and Strategies. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia MOFED.(2002).Ministry of Finance and Economic Development).Ethiopia: Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program. Addis Ababa Ethiopia MOFED.(2005).Ethiopia: sustainable development and poverty reduction program (SDPRP). Addis Ababa, Ethiopia MOFED.(2010).Growth and transformation Plan-I(GTP) 2010/11–2014/15. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia MOFED.(2015) Growth and transformation Plan-II (GTP) 2015/16–2019/20. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Morteza., et al., (2022)The Evolution of Food Security: Where Are We Now, Where Should We Go Next? Morton, Julia F. (2016) “Papaya.”Papaya center for new crops & plant products, at purdue University. Mukarumbwa, p., Mushunje, A., Taruvinga, A., Akinyemi, B. and Ngarava, S. (2017), “Factors influencing number of post-harvest practices adopted by smallholder fruit farmers in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe”. Nimona F. (2017) Opportunity, Problems and Production Status of Fruits in Ethiopia: A Review. J Plant Sci Res. Panagiotis Kalaïtzis, Ciheam Elena Craita Bita, Ciheam Martin Hilmi, FAO and Agpm(2016) Innovative Post-harvest Technologies for Sustainable Value Chain Parfitt, J., Barthel, M. & Macnaughton, S.,(2010). Review Food waste within food supply chains: quantification and potential for change to 2050. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 365, 1554:3065-3081. Prusky D.(2011).Reduction of the incidence of post-harvest quality losses, and future prospects. Ruben, R., van Tilburg, A., Trienekens, J., van Boekel, M.,(2007). Linking market integration, supply chain governance, quality, and value added in tropical food chains (13-46) in Ruben, R. (eds). Tropical food chains: governance regimes for quality management . Wageningen Academic Pub., Wageningen. Santos, S. F. D., Cardoso, R. C. V., Borges, I. M. P., Almeida, A. C. E., Andrade, E. S., Ferreira, I. O., & Ramos, L. D. C. (2020, Jan 1). Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetablesin supply centers in Salvador, Brazil: Analysis of determinants, volumes and reduction strategies. Waste Manag. Sen, A. (1981). Poverty and Famine: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation. Oxford: Claredon Press Sisay Debebe (2022) post-harvest losses of crops and its determinants in Ethiopia Tamerat Gutema and Anteneh Tadesse(2022) Assessment of post-harvest handling of mango and evaluation of mango jam in major mango producing areas of South Omo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia Temesgen Bateno and Taye Buke (2018) Post-harvest Losses and Management Assessment of Commercial Fruit and Fruit at Wolaita Zone, at Sodo Market Tröger, K., Lelea, M. A., Hensel, O., & Kaufmann, B.(2020). Re-framing post-harvest losses through a situated analysis of the pineapple value chain in Uganda. Tsegu Ereso(2021) Woody Species Diversity and Structure of Protected Woodlands Adjacent to Free Grazing Land Woodland at Dugda Woreda, Oromia, Ethiopia. Webb P. and Von Braun J.(1994). Famine and Food Security in Ethiopia: Lesson for Africa. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. Chichester. Wojciech J. Florkowski University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA Robert L. Shewfelt University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA Bernhard Brueckner Institute for Fruit and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Germany Stanley E. Prussia University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA(2014) Post-harvest Handling A Systems Approach Third Edition Edited. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 18 Dec, 2025 Reviews received at journal 18 Dec, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Nov, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 27 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 30 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 18 Sep, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 29 Jul, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 29 Jul, 2025 Editor invited by journal 29 Jul, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 15 Jul, 2025 First submitted to journal 15 Jul, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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km\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: Own survey data (2022)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7110032/v1/ba965fd21f60f9888808fa71.png"},{"id":87385282,"identity":"daf5a760-20a2-47e6-b27d-3fe7562e2d94","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-23 08:52:45","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":154204,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eStatus pest attack on papaya\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7110032/v1/e6376bbc650adfd4bfeb4126.png"},{"id":87385280,"identity":"f4d40da2-9595-49fa-a67c-5b229131611d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-23 08:52:45","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":20953,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eHow lacks of proper storage facilities affect papaya produce\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: Own survey data (2022)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7110032/v1/48b1f8a61725ce19f91da9af.png"},{"id":87385279,"identity":"77d55d0b-69ee-4c3b-8f07-feb93e6d3f9e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-23 08:52:45","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":29640,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFairness of papaya selling price response\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: Own survey data (2022)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7110032/v1/61a42b81064bb0963799c04c.png"},{"id":87385283,"identity":"14fee668-2673-45c4-b9ad-2362aaeb8920","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-23 08:52:45","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":24975,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSunlight exposure to papaya\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: Own survey data (2022)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7110032/v1/cb877a81bb14a23bdf5e9180.png"},{"id":87388741,"identity":"44a5defe-0819-4ac0-8c8a-8aa645ff276f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-23 09:16:46","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1913754,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7110032/v1/865bca13-c86f-44f0-be47-2e5a43592334.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eThe Effect of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses on Food Security of Producing Households: TheCase of Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eFruits can be broadly classified into fleshy and dry types. Fleshy fruits include berries, aggregates, and multiple fruits such as papaya, avocado, and banana (Nimona, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Among these, papaya (\u003cem\u003eCarica papaya\u003c/em\u003e) is one of the most important tropical fruits, known for its high nutritional and medicinal value. Originating from the tropical Americas, papaya has spread widely and is now cultivated in several countries for both local consumption and export. Global papaya production has steadily increased over the last five decades, expanding from 114,192 hectares in 1961 to over 438,000 hectares by 2010 (Gabriela \u0026amp; Santamaria, 2014). During the 2008–2010 period, Asia accounted for 52.5% of global papaya production, followed by South America (23.1%) and Africa (13.2%) (Dadi Tolessa Lemma et al., 2017). Ethiopia ranks among the top ten papaya-producing countries in the world (Edossa et al., 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Ethiopia, papaya is a significant fruit crop grown in home gardens and semi-commercial farms by smallholders and investors. It is widely consumed fresh and has emerging uses in the food and cosmetic industries. Between 2011 and 2015, the area under papaya cultivation increased from 22,262 to 40,435 hectares — an 81.6% rise within five years (Dadi Tolessa Lemma et al., 2017). The fruit is rich in water (85%), sugar (10–13%), proteins (0.6%), and vitamins B1, B2, and C. It is also used for producing papain, a valuable enzyme for the food and pharmaceutical industries.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite its high productivity — reaching up to 170.5 quintals per hectare (CSA, 2012) — papaya is highly perishable. In developing countries, food losses tend to occur at the production and handling stages, largely due to poor infrastructure and limited post-harvest technologies (FAO, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). In Ethiopia, papaya post-harvest losses are significant and can occur at multiple stages. For example, a study in Jimma town reported losses of 21.75% at the wholesale level, 15.6% at the retail level, 12.5% during transportation, and 9.25% during storage, totaling 37.35% loss (Dadi Tolessa Lemma et al., 2017).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuch losses are attributed to inadequate handling practices, poor storage and transport facilities, lack of grading and packing materials, and limited knowledge of shelf-life extension techniques. In the study area, Dugda Wereda similar challenges hinder papaya producers from minimizing post-harvest losses and maximizing income and food security.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe broader implications of food loss are alarming. For instance, Ethiopia experienced post-harvest grain losses of 2.04\u0026nbsp;million tons while importing 1.16\u0026nbsp;million tons to meet national demand (US Department of State, 2013; AUC, 2018). However, while there is some data on the extent of papaya post-harvest losses, little is known about their direct impact on household food security in rural Ethiopia.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTherefore, this study aims to fill this gap by assessing the extent of papaya post-harvest losses and their effect on the food security status of producing households in Dugda Wereda, specifically in Bakale Girisa and Shubi Gemo kebeles. The findings will inform strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security among smallholder farmers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\n\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\n\n\u003ch4 id=\"_Toc93599697\"\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"},{"header":"2. RESEARCH METHODS","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.1 Description of the study area\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in two selected kebeles — Bakele Girisa and Shubi Gemo — located in Dugda Woreda, East Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, approximately 143 km southeast of Addis Ababa. Dugda Woreda, whose administrative center is Meki Town, lies in the central part of the Great Rift Valley and comprises 37 rural and 3 urban kebeles. The woreda is geographically positioned at 8°9′N latitude and 38°49′E longitude, at an elevation of 1,636 meters above sea level (CSA, 2008). It is bordered by Hora-Dambal, Adami Tullu and Jido Kombolcha to the south, the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region to the west, the Southwest Shewa Zone to the northwest, Ada'a Chukala across the Awash River to the north, Koka Reservoir and Adama to the northeast, and the Arsi Zone to the east.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDugda Woreda covers a total area of 1,459.53 square kilometers. Of this area, 65.25% is cultivated land, 8.32% is forest, 3.55% is grassland, 12.54% consists of water bodies, and the remainder includes swampy areas (0.31%) and mountainous regions (10.03%). The agroecological zones include Woyna Dega (45%) and Kola (55%), supporting both crop and livestock production. Irrigation-based horticultural farming is prevalent due to the availability of rivers and crater lakes. The average annual temperature is 18.7°C, and the annual rainfall is approximately 892 mm (SCA, 2007). The altitude ranges between 1,500 m and over 2,300 m. The two kebeles, Bakele Girisa and Shubi Gemo, are located 12 km and 9 km, respectively, from Meki Town. According to the 2007 national census (CSA), the total population of the woreda was 144,910, with 74,561 males and 70,349 females.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.2 Research Design and Approach\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp id=\"_Toc117503451\"\u003eA cross-sectional research design was employed to examine the effects of papaya post-harvest losses on the food security status of producing households. The study used a \u003cstrong\u003emixed-methods approach\u003c/strong\u003e, incorporating both \u003cstrong\u003equantitative and qualitative data\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDescriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations, frequencies) were used to assess household post-harvest handling practices. Inferential statistics, including \u003cstrong\u003eordinal logistic regression\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e,\u003c/strong\u003e were applied to evaluate the relationship between post-harvest losses and household food security. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.3 \u003cstrong\u003eSample Size Determination and Sampling Techniques\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample Size Determination and Sampling Techniques\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp id=\"_Toc93599694\"\u003eDugda Woreda was purposively selected due to its high concentration of papaya producers. Two kebeles, Bakele Girisa and Shubi Gemo, were selected based on their significant levels of papaya production. The target population in these kebeles was estimated at 450 papaya-producing households.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sample size was calculated using Yamane’s (1967) formula at a 5% margin of error:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u003cimg width=\"219\" height=\"31\" src=\"https://myfiles.space/user_files/132203_cef980177e9a226b/132203_custom_files/img1753093766.gif\" alt=\"image\"\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhere, \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;N= Total number of population\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; e= Errors\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThus, a sample of 212 households was selected using systematic sampling. A complete list of papaya-producing households was obtained from local agricultural offices, and every third household was selected.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Types and Sources\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth primary and secondary data were collected.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul class=\"decimal_type\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePrimary data were gathered through questionnaires, FGDs, and KIIs.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSecondary data were obtained from published reports, agricultural offices, and related literature.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.5 \u003cstrong\u003eData Collection Methods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Informant Interview (Kii)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn-depth interviews were conducted with six key informants, including experts from agricultural and development offices in the two selected kebeles. These interviews helped contextualize farmer practices and constraints related to papaya post-harvest losses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp id=\"_Toc117503457\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuestionnaire Survey\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInformation was gathered using quantitative and qualitative survey questionnaires about the effect of papaya post-harvest loss at the household level and post-harvest loss at market level. In both cases, the quantities and values are different at various stages due to the different constraints. The total of the respondents was 212 then developed semi questionnaire was translated into the local language, Afan Oromo‟ or ‘Amharic’ for the convenience of data collection during the survey. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Each specific objective was addressed using different techniques as described bellows.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.6 Objectives and Analytical Methods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjective 1: Examine Papaya Post-Harvest Handling Practices\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHousehold practices regarding harvest timing, packaging, and transportation were assessed using descriptive statistics. SPSS version 20 was used for analysis. Qualitative data from FGDs, KIIs, and observations were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjective 2: Estimate the Amount and Value of Post-Harvest Losses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePost-harvest loss data were collected in both quantitative (weight and price) and qualitative (observations and interviews) forms. Financial estimates were calculated using local market prices during harvest and sale periods.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjective 3: Identify Constraints to Post-Harvest Handling\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConstraints such as poor storage, inadequate transportation, improper harvesting, and lack of grading or packing materials were identified using both survey data and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjective 4: Assess Household Food Security Status\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) developed by FANTA (2006) was employed to measure food security. The tool comprises nine questions, each with a 30-day recall period. Frequency-of-occurrence responses were coded as:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e0 = never\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e1 = rarely (1–2 times)\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e2 = sometimes (3–10 times)\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e3 = often (\u0026gt;10 times)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe HFIAS score ranges from 0 (fully food secure) to 27 (severely food insecure), with higher scores indicating higher levels of insecurity. Households were categorized as food secure, mildly insecure, moderately insecure, or severely food insecure. The relationship between food security status and post-harvest losses was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression, which is suitable for ordinal dependent variables (Agresti, 2001).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study was reviewed and approved by the Center for Food Security Studies, College of Development Studies, \u0026nbsp;Addis Ababa University. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations set forth by Addis Ababa University and the Declaration of Helsinki. Prior to the start of the survey, the purpose and procedures of the study were clearly explained to all participants, and informed consent was obtained from each household head before the administration of the questionnaire.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3.\tRESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis section presents and discusses the findings of the study. It is organized into two main parts: the first summarizes the descriptive results related to demographic and handling practices using statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while the second examines household food security and post-harvest losses using both descriptive and inferential statistics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.1 \u003cstrong\u003eCharacteristic of study population\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe survey included 212 papaya-producing households. Respondents\u0026apos; socio-demographic data are presented in Table 1. Ages ranged from 34 to 72 years. The vast majority (90%) were male and all were married. Family sizes ranged between four and eight members. Regarding education, 7.5% had completed grades 1-4, 20.3% grades 5-8, 64.6% secondary education, and 7.5% held a BSc or MSc. Monthly household incomes ranged from ETB 3,000 to 7,500.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1: Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 168px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercent\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRemark\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 168px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducation level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1-4 grades\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5-8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9-12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e137\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBSC/MSC\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 168px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarital status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnmaried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 168px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e191\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 168px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eResidence district of respondents\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBakale Girisa\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 104px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eShubi Gemo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e112\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandling practices of papaya in the study area\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the study area, all papaya producers (100%) practiced grading as the sole post-harvest technology. While all respondents acknowledged that the adoption of appropriate handling practices could reduce post-harvest losses, none reported using modified storage systems for papaya. Only 7.5% of the respondents made efforts to extend the shelf life of their papaya to minimize losses, and a similarly small proportion (7.5%) utilized improved harvesting technologies (Table 2).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese findings are in line with the results reported by Bogale (2019), who emphasized that post-harvest activities commence at the point of separation of the edible product from the parent plant. This process includes multiple stages such as harvesting, transporting, gathering, packaging, sorting, storage, and marketing. Effective post-harvest management requires careful timing based on the maturity of the produce, which significantly influences subsequent handling, particularly storage and preservation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite this, the majority of respondents (92.5%) did not employ any form of harvesting technology for papaya. The absence of such technologies can lead to increased physical damage, deterioration, and ultimately, economic loss, reinforcing the need for better access to and training in post-harvest technologies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 2: Handling practice of papaya\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"575\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWho mostly participate on papaya production\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you grade papaya before packaging\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you think using of handling practices can minimize losses?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you use of modified storage?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAre you always tried to prolong the shelf life of your papaya?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e180\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhich technology do you use to prolong the shelf life of papayas?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRefrigerator\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eZero energy cooling chamber\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGrading\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you use of modified transportation(truck, car)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e140\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 206px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you use technology to harvest papayas?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e196\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 123px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: own survey data (2022)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransportation represents a critical stage in the post-harvest supply chain, as a significant proportion of agricultural produce is lost during this phase due to improper handling and inadequate infrastructure. Ensuring a fast, efficient, and gentle transportation system is vital for the successful marketing and distribution of perishable goods such as papaya. For households engaged in fruit production, minimizing physical movement and mechanical injury to the fruit during transport is essential.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis observation is supported by the FAO (1986), which highlights that the selection of appropriate transport vehicles is crucial to protect produce from physical damage, as well as from exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as sun and rain. Moreover, the report recommends transporting fruits during cooler hours (night or early morning) and utilizing ventilated or refrigerated vehicles to reduce spoilage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, as shown in Figure 2, all respondents (100%) reported using only grading as part of their transportation process. None had access to or used refrigeration or zero energy cooling chamber technologies for papaya transport. According to one key informant, \u0026ldquo;Papaya producers convey their fruit to designated areas accessible to wholesalers using carts drawn by horses, mules, and donkeys.\u0026rdquo; This traditional method, though commonly used, contributes to physical damage and increased post-harvest loss due to lack of temperature control and mechanical cushioning.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, respondents cited high transportation costs and limited market access as major barriers to selling their produce in central markets. While some wholesalers occasionally visit production sites with their own vehicles, this support is inconsistent and insufficient to meet the needs of all producers. This situation underscores the need for investment in better transportation infrastructure and cold chain facilities to reduce post-harvest loss and improve market access for smallholder farmers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs illustrated in Figure 3, only \u003cstrong\u003e34% of respondents\u003c/strong\u003e reported using modified transportation methods\u0026mdash;such as vehicles equipped with improved handling features\u0026mdash;for transporting papaya, while the remaining \u003cstrong\u003e66% did not utilize any technological interventions\u003c/strong\u003e during the transportation process. This limited adoption of improved transport technologies suggests that a significant portion of papaya producers rely on traditional or less effective methods, potentially contributing to increased post-harvest losses due to mechanical damage and spoilage during transit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith regard to ripening techniques, the majority of respondents (85%) indicated that they ripen papaya by placing the fruits in closed bags, while the remaining 15% reported using a more traditional method of placing the fruits on a wooden platform to facilitate ripening, as shown in\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to data from Table 3, the majority of respondents (92.5%) reported producing papaya primarily for market purposes, while only 7.5% produced papaya for household consumption. This finding aligns with Dadi Tolessa Lemma et al. (2017), who noted that papaya is cultivated both at home garden and semi-commercial levels by farmers, and at the commercial level by state farms, serving both household and market demands.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, 92.5% of respondents indicated that they had received training on papaya handling practices and post-harvest loss management, while 7.5% had not received any form of training. Among those trained, 19.3% attended only once, and 65.7% participated two to three times. Notably, all respondents expressed willingness to adopt post-harvest technologies if made available, suggesting high potential for intervention uptake.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn average, households travel 134.3 kilometers to reach market centers. As a result, all respondents reported selling their papaya to wholesalers, primarily due to the long distance and lack of direct market access. Additionally, 92.5% felt they did not receive fair prices for their produce. Most respondents (88.2%) do not wait for better offers and sell immediately, while only 11.8% wait up to two days to secure fairer prices. Key informants revealed that papaya producers generally rely on brokers or wholesalers from Addis Ababa and other areas, often lacking adequate market information. This observation is supported by Amanda (2014), who reported that the central market for horticultural products in Ethiopia is located in Addis Ababa, and many actors are unaware of alternative distribution centers. Similarly, Emana et al. (2007) emphasized that agricultural markets in Ethiopia often fail to add value beyond relocating produce to consumers, with limited information systems and numerous intermediaries acting as major constraints.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegarding packaging practices, 92.9% of respondents used wooden boxes, while 7.1% used no packaging materials. This supports Wills et al. (1989), who highlighted the evolution of packaging materials from woven leaves and natural fibers to more protective options. Effective packaging is not only essential for ease of handling but also preserves post-harvest quality, reduces transpiration and respiration losses, and can enhance market value. According to Wills et al. (1989) and Irtwenge (2006), packaging systems must be product-specific, providing protection against physical damage, humidity loss, and metabolic deterioration. Therefore, papaya packaging remains a critical element in maintaining quality during transportation and distribution.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 3: Thoughts of training on papaya post-harvest practices\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRemark\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ewhat are the main uses of papaya\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFor sale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e196\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOwn use\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDid you get training regarding handling practice and post-harvest losses of papaya?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e196\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003efrequency of order of the training\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e196\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you think farmers practice handling practices?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow long you are waiting till you get buyer?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNever wait\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e187\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 days\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ewhat kinds of packaging materials do you use for the movement of papayas to the market\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ewooden box\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e197\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUse nothing\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow do you sell your product(papaya)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTo wholesaler\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDo you think that you are get fair price for your product?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e196\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSystem\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 215px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHow is lacks of proper material affect papaya?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003every low\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e164\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 113px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 108px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Amount and Value of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses in the Study Area\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to table 4, the average papaya production in the study area was 1,866.5 quintals, with an average production value of 2,823,962.26 birr. The estimated mean post-harvest losses were 165.7 quintals and 270,660.38 birr, respectively. This level of loss underscores the well-documented issue that \u003cem\u003epost-harvest losses frequently result from inadequate handling practices and improper treatment during harvesting, marketing, transportation, and storage\u003c/em\u003e. Consequently, adopting effective post-harvest handling techniques is crucial to prolong the shelf life and quantity of harvested fruits.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite this, the use of post-harvest technologies and best practices among farmers and traders remains low in ethiopia (emana et al., 2017). The data shows that about 8.87% of the total papaya production and 9.5% of the total production value were lost post-harvest. These findings align with those reported by bantayehu et al. (2017), who found higher average losses in other fruits such as avocado (28%), tomato (22%), mango (21%), and papaya (19%). The lower loss percentage in this study may be attributed to its focus on losses occurring primarily at the farmer production level, excluding other value chain stages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe average papaya production of 200 quintals per season in the study area is relatively high compared to national averages. For instance, the central statistical agency (csa, 2012) reports fruit productivity averages of papaya at 170.5 qt/ha, avocado at 81.0 qt/ha, banana at 81.2 qt/ha, and mango at 90.3 qt/ha, all significantly above the national average crop productivity of 20.0 qt/ha.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePost-harvest losses in papaya negatively affect household food security by reducing both the availability and accessibility of this important food resource.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 4: Papaya post-harvest losses in quintals and in birr\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"631\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 166px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 73px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRemark\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 166px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epapaya production in quintals\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e200.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3500.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1866.5094\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 73px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 166px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epapaya production value in birr\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e280000.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8000000.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2823962.2642\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 73px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 166px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEstimate papaya production losses in quintals\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e340.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e165.7075\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 73px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 166px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEstimate papaya production lost \u0026nbsp;value/in birr\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 103px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e140000.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e450000.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 100px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e270660.3774\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 73px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan id=\"_Toc117503478\"\u003e 3.4 \u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrivers of post-harvest losses of papaya in the study area\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs shown in Figure 5, farmers in the study area must travel an average distance of \u003cstrong\u003e134.3 km\u003c/strong\u003e to reach the central market. This considerable distance compels farmers to sell their papaya products directly at the production site to wholesalers, primarily to avoid losses that might occur during transportation and to mitigate the influence of intermediaries (brokers).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis finding aligns with Santos et al. (2020), who noted that post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in developing countries often occur during transportation due to factors such as improper storage, inadequate temperature control, excessive handling, and poor hygiene among sellers. Transportation is a critical phase in the supply chain, where a large portion of produce can be wasted due to poor handling and inadequate transport conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnsuring a swift and proper transportation system is essential for the successful marketing and distribution of fresh produce. Special care should be taken to minimize movement and physical damage to fruits during transport. Transporting fruits during cooler periods\u0026mdash;such as at night or early morning\u0026mdash;and using ventilated or refrigerated vehicles can significantly reduce post-harvest losses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRuben et al. (2007) further support this view, highlighting that although such supply systems may primarily target local markets, they often become part of larger market chains involving many intermediaries. This extended chain dilutes added value among numerous actors and limits the flow of accurate market information, which further contributes to inefficiencies and losses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.5 Status of pest attack on papaya \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to the results shown in Figure 6, the majority of respondents (76%) reported that the pest attack on papaya is \u003cstrong\u003every high\u003c/strong\u003e, while 16% indicated that the pest attack was \u003cstrong\u003every low\u003c/strong\u003e, and 8% described it as \u003cstrong\u003emedium\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis finding is consistent with reports from the FAO (2006), which identify factors such as fungal diseases, physiological disorders, mechanical damage, or a combination of these as major contributors to post-harvest losses. Armstrong (1994) further noted that a variety of bacteria and fungi\u0026mdash;including \u003cem\u003eColletotrichum\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePhomopsis\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePhytophthora\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRhizopus\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eFusarium\u003c/em\u003e\u0026mdash;cause significant damage and losses after harvest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the infection patterns of these organisms is crucial for developing effective control measures to reduce disease incidence and minimize post-harvest losses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lack of proper storage facilities significantly affects papaya production. As shown in Figure 7, 34% of respondents reported that the lack of adequate storage facilities has an average effect on papaya production, while 30% indicated the effect as very high, 23% as very low, and 13% as high.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis finding aligns with Parfitt et al. (2010), who emphasized that the level of post-harvest losses in countries is strongly linked to the availability of technology and market development. Reducing post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables is crucial for stakeholders to adopt appropriate post-harvest technologies that extend shelf life and ensure the safety and quality of produce (Kader, 2004).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProper storage practices are essential to prevent quality deterioration of papaya fruits, primarily due to decay and accelerated softening. While storage is seldom practiced for fruits destined for local markets, fruit exports require optimal storage environments. Papaya can be stored at ambient temperatures (28\u0026ndash;32\u0026deg;C) for about a week. Under refrigeration at approximately 15\u0026deg;C, \u003cem\u003eExotica\u003c/em\u003e papayas can maintain a color index of 1 for up to 22 days. However, as a tropical fruit, papaya should ideally be stored at 10\u0026ndash;13\u0026deg;C to prevent chilling injury (Armstrong, 1994). \u003cem\u003eExotica\u003c/em\u003e papayas can be kept loosely for two to three weeks and then ripened at 25\u0026deg;C (Ammy Anak Stephen Nanyi, 2006). Additionally, hot water treatment can extend the storage life by effectively retarding infections (Armstrong, 1994).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConcerning the ability to obtain fair prices for papaya production, 92% of respondents reported that they do not receive fair prices, while only 8% indicated that they do receive fair prices (figure 8).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs illustrated in Figure 9, 38% of respondents indicated that exposure to sunlight has a significant impact on papaya fruit. In contrast, 25% believed sunlight exposure has a minimal effect, while 13% and 16% of participants reported very low and low impacts, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.6 Implications of papaya post-harvest loss on household food security\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe government has consistently emphasized agricultural development in its national growth strategies. Plans such as the Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Plan (SDPRP, 2001/02), Rural Development Policy and Strategies (2003), the Plan for Accelerated and Sustainable Development to End Poverty (PASDEP, 2005/06), Growth Transformation Plan I (GTP-I, 2009/10), and its extension GTP-II (2015/16) have prioritized agriculture as a key economic growth driver (MOFED, 2002\u0026ndash;2015). While most of these plans focused on increasing agricultural productivity and commercialization, only the recent GTP-II plan explicitly addressed minimizing post-harvest losses to ensure food security.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite this, post-harvest loss management for fruits and vegetables has received less attention. According to the results in Table 4, papaya post-harvest loss accounted for 8.87% of total production and 9.5% of the total value lost. This loss percentage is lower than that reported by Bantayehu et al. (2017), who found higher losses for avocado (28%), tomato (22%), mango (21%), and papaya (19%). The difference arises because the present study focuses only on losses at the farmer production level, excluding other value chain stages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 8.87% loss at the production level significantly impacts household food security. The estimated monetary loss of papaya post-harvest amounts to approximately 270,660 Ethiopian birr (equivalent to about 5,107 USD). Post-harvest losses reduce food supply, drive up market prices, and exacerbate food insecurity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main causes of post-harvest loss include poor handling techniques, inadequate infrastructure and equipment, and limited market access (FAO, 2017). Reducing post-harvest losses between farms and markets is crucial to closing food gaps and ensuring food and nutrition security in Ethiopia. However, limited understanding of the scale and contributing factors remains a major challenge for effective implementation and scaling of post-harvest loss management strategies across crops (Sisay Debebe, 2022).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"_Toc117503486\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.7\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood security status of households\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, household food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), which measures access-related aspects of food insecurity. This standardized tool categorizes households along a continuum\u0026mdash;from food secure to severely food insecure\u0026mdash;based on their experiences over the previous four weeks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs presented in Table 5a, 59.4% of households were food secure, 23% were mildly food insecure, 9% moderately food insecure, and 8.5% severely food insecure. These findings align with those of Abaya Alemu and Mogessie Ashenafi (2022), who reported that 61% of fruit-producing households were food secure, compared to only 16% of non-fruit-producing households in Dugda Woreda.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe results suggest that papaya production, particularly when postharvest losses are minimized, plays a significant role in enhancing household food security. Households relying on papaya as a primary food source or income are more vulnerable to food insecurity when substantial portions of their harvest are lost after harvest. Therefore, efforts to reduce papaya postharvest loss can meaningfully improve household food security in the study area.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 5: Household Food Insecurity Status in Relation to Papaya Postharvest Loss, Dugda Woreda, East Showa Zone, Oromia Region, 2022\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 5a: The prevalence of the study area household food insecurity access scale, 2022\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"707\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHFIAS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 105px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOccurrence\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRarely (1)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSometimes (2)\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOften (3)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1. In the past four weeks, did you worry that your household would not have enough food?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e127\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2. In the past four weeks, were you or any household member not able to eat the kinds of foods you preferred because of a lack of resources?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e163\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; In the past four weeks, did you or any household member have to eat a limited variety of foods due to a lack of resources?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; In the past four weeks, did you or any household member have to eat some foods that you really did not want to eat because of a lack of resources to obtain other types of food?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; In the past four weeks, did you or any household member have to eat a smaller meal than you felt you needed because there was not enough food?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; In the past four weeks, did you or any other household member have to eat fewer meals in a day because there was not enough food?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e144\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; In the past four weeks, was there ever no food to eat of any kind in your household because of lack of resources to get food?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e195\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; In the past four weeks, did you or any household member go to sleep at night hungry because there was not enough food?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 385px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; In the past four weeks, did you or any household member go a whole day and night without eating anything because there was not enough food?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable \u003cem\u003e5b: \u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eCategories of food insecurity\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003efruit producers\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFood secure\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59.5%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMildly food insecure\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eModerately food insecure\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeverely food insecure\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.5%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.8 Determinants of Household\u0026rsquo;s food security\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"_Toc120690232\"\u003eTable 6 presents the results of the ordinal logit model for the hypothesized variables. The key findings are as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"decimal_type\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily Size:\u003c/strong\u003e An increase in household family size is associated with a \u003cstrong\u003e12.47 times decrease\u003c/strong\u003e in the likelihood of being food secure (compared to being mildly, moderately, or severely food insecure), holding other variables constant. This indicates that larger households or greater dependency increase the risk of food insecurity at all levels.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonthly Income:\u003c/strong\u003e A rise in monthly income is linked to a \u003cstrong\u003e0.9159 times increase\u003c/strong\u003e in the probability of being food secure (versus food insecure categories), controlling for other factors. This suggests that higher income reduces the risk of mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Annual Papaya Loss:\u003c/strong\u003e An increase in total annual papaya loss decreases the odds of being food secure by a factor of \u003cstrong\u003e0.6774\u003c/strong\u003e, holding other variables constant. This means higher losses in papaya production increase the risk of food insecurity.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePapaya Loss During Transport (kg):\u003c/strong\u003e Increased papaya loss during transportation to storage reduces the chance of being food secure by a factor of \u003cstrong\u003e0.9934\u003c/strong\u003e, indicating that greater transport losses are associated with higher risk of food insecurity.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePapaya Loss Due to Improper Handling or Packaging (kg):\u003c/strong\u003e Higher losses caused by improper handling or inadequate packing materials decrease the likelihood of being food secure by a factor of \u003cstrong\u003e0.2049\u003c/strong\u003e, suggesting that these losses also significantly contribute to food insecurity risk.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, these results highlight that larger family size and increased papaya post-harvest losses\u0026mdash;both in production and during handling/transport\u0026mdash;negatively impact household food security, while higher monthly income plays a protective role (see Table 6).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e. The determination of household\u0026apos;s food security\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"624\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 222px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEstimate\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStd. Error\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWald\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDf\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 126px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95% Confidence Interval OR\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSig.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLower Bound\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUpper Bound\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIntercept= 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.6980\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.7550\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.1650\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.007\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.0702\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.0753\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIntercept =2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.0054\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.4530\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.0578\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.7541\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.4003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIntercept = 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.4250\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.7370\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.6830\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.0560\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.9053\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"8\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3930\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1910\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.1210\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.700\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1005\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.6753\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHouse hold size\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-12.4740\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8910\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e195.8170\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-14.217\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-8.7520\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIncome\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9159\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2036\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.5020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.6700\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.7000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnnually Papaya loss\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.6774\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2332\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.9110\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-1.2400\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.1100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss on transportation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.9934\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1867\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.3200\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.005\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.8700\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.0100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInappropriate storage loss in kg\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.3005\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1709\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.7600\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.078\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.9600\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.0800\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eImproper handling loss\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.2049\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1761\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-1.1600\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.045\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.5700\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.1500\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 216px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU\u003c/strong\u003ese of improper display material\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 36px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: own survey data (2022)\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study reveals that enhancing the knowledge and practices of papaya-producing households regarding post-harvest loss mitigation can significantly reduce losses in the study area and similar agroecological zones in Ethiopia. The quantified losses in papaya production, both in quantity (quintals) and monetary value (Birr), have a substantial negative impact on household food security.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe survey of 212 households showed that while all respondents practiced grading and acknowledged the importance of improved handling, only a small proportion (7.5%) employed technologies to extend shelf life or improve harvesting. Most households produce papaya for market sale and have received some training on post-harvest practices. Yet, transportation challenges, high costs, and market access issues persist, resulting in an estimated 8.87% post-harvest loss by volume and 9.5% by value. These losses, though lower than some previous reports, significantly reduce household income and contribute to food insecurity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood security assessment indicated that 59.5% of households were food secure, while over 40% experienced varying degrees of food insecurity. Given the reliance on papaya for food and income, minimizing post-harvest losses represents a critical pathway to improving food and nutrition security in the region.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan id=\"_Toc131762347\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;Recommendation\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul start=\"5\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRegional and federal agricultural offices, alongside international organizations such as FAO, should prioritize expanding training and technical support on post-harvest loss management to papaya producers.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInvestments are needed to improve market infrastructure and strengthen the market chain, reducing the influence of intermediaries and enhancing direct market access for smallholder farmers.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEnhanced storage facilities and transportation technologies should be introduced to reduce physical damage and spoilage during handling and transit.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFood security interventions should focus on increasing household income sources and minimizing post-harvest losses to alleviate food insecurity.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFuture research should broaden to include larger geographic areas and diverse methodologies to deepen understanding of post-harvest losses and food security dynamics.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was reviewed and approved by the Center for Food Security Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations set forth by Addis Ababa University and the Declaration of Helsinki. Prior to the start of the survey, the purpose and procedures of the study were clearly explained to all participants, and informed consent was obtained from each household head before the administration of the questionnaire.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eConflict of Interest\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no potential conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no received any fund for this study\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was conducted as part of A.F\u0026rsquo;s Master\u0026rsquo;s thesis in center of food security at Addis Ababa University. The research was planned and designed by at, A. F and A. S. The first draft of the manuscript was written by A.F and revised the manuscript by M.A. Data presentation and analysis were done by M. A. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript for submission.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors gratefully acknowledge Addis Ababa University (AAU) for supporting this research. This manuscript is based on the Master\u0026rsquo;s thesis of Asfaw Fita Bayu, titled \u0026ldquo;The Effect of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses on Food Security of Producing Households: The Case of Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia,\u0026rdquo; which has been published and is accessible in the AAU institutional repository. The thesis was submitted under the supervision of Dr. Admasu Shibiru and can be accessed at: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://etd.aau.edu.et/server/api/core/bitstreams/54ff1ed2-3a29-4dfa-8053-e141a1f73705/content\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbaya Alemu and Mogessie Ashenafi. (2022). 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(2015), Selenium and its Role in Higher Plants, in E. Licht fouse, J. Schwarzbauer, D. Robert eds, Pollutants in Buildings, Water and Living Organisms, series \u0026ldquo;Environmental Chemistry for a Sustainable World\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmana B, Ayana A, Balemi T, Temesgen M (2014) Scoping Study on Fruits Seed Systems and policy in Ethiopia. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmana, B. \u0026amp; Gebremedhin, H.(2007).Constraints and opportunities of horticultural production and marketing in eastern Ethiopia. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAO (1986)\u0026ldquo;Improvement of post-harvest fresh fruits and vegetables handling- a manual\u0026rdquo; rapa/, afma Bangkok, Thailand. 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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, and ISBN-13:9789251066102, Pages: 57.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAO.(2018)Guidelines on the Measurement of Harvest and Post-harvest losses: Recommendations on the design of a harvest and Post-harvest loss statistics system for Food Grains (cereals and pulses).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFOA. (2017) Post-harvest loss assessment of maize, wheat, sorghum and haricot bean: a study conducted in fourteen elected Woredas of Ethiopia under the Project\u0026ndash;Gcp/Eth/084/Swi, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGabriela Fuentes and Jorge M. Santamar\u0026iacute;a(2014)Papaya (Carica papaya L.): Origin, Domestication, and Production .\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetachew Dirriba (1995). Economy at the Cross Roads: Famine and Food Security in Rural Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Care International in Ethiopia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHumble Susanna and Reneby Amanda (2014) Post-harvest losses in fruit supply chains: a case study of mango and avocado in Ethiopia. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eIgnacio Ch\u0026aacute;vez-S\u0026aacute;nchez et al.,(2011)The Effect of Antifungal Hot-Water Treatments on Papayapost-harvest Quality And Activity of Pectinmethylesterase and Polygalacturonase\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaac Kojo Arah,1 Gerald K. Ahorbo,1 Etornam Kosi Anku,1 Ernest Kodzo Kumah,1 and Harrison Amaglo(2016) Post-harvest Handling Practices and Treatment Methods for Tomato Handlers in Developing Countries: A Mini Review\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJennifer Coates, Anne Swindale \u0026amp; Paula Bilinsky( 2007) Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) for Measurement of Food Access: Indicator Guide\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKader, A. A., (2004).Increasing food availability by reducing post-harvest losses of fresh produce (2169-2176) in V International Post-harvest Symposium, 682.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLemma Ayele , Edossa Etissa1 , Asmare Dagnew1 , Wagayehu Assefa , Girma Kebede , Mekasha Girma , Kidist Firde , and Merkedu Ayalew (2017)Development of Hermaphrodite Papaya (Carica papaya L.) varieties for production in Ethiopia.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMangal J.L, Anurag Dhyani, Institute of Horticulture Technology Greater Noida, NCR Region, U.P(2016)Post Harvest Technology of Fruits and Fruits.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMary Gorret(2020) Post-harvest practices along supply chains of Solanum Aethiopicum (Shum) and Amaranthus lividus (linn) leafy fruits in Wakiso and Kampala districts, Uganda\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeskerem Abi and Degefa Tolossa(2015) Center for Food Security Studies, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia: Center for Rural Development, College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessay Mulugeta (2008). 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Famine and Food Security in Ethiopia: Lesson for Africa. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. Chichester.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWojciech J. Florkowski University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA Robert L. Shewfelt University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA Bernhard Brueckner Institute for Fruit and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Germany Stanley E. Prussia University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA(2014) Post-harvest Handling A Systems Approach Third Edition Edited.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"post-harvest loss, food security, household practices, papaya production, harvest technology, Ethiopia","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7110032/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7110032/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis study investigates the impact of papaya post-harvest losses on the food security status of producing households in Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collected through focus group discussions and structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations) were used to summarize household practices, while an ordinal logistic regression model was applied to examine the relationship between post-harvest loss and household food security status.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA total of 212 papaya-producing households were surveyed, with 90% of respondents being male. Household monthly incomes ranged from ETB 3,000 to 7,500. Although all respondents practiced fruit grading, only 7.5% adopted post-harvest technologies aimed at extending shelf-life, such as timing and occasion of harvest. On average, 8.87% of total papaya production and 9.5% of potential sales revenue were lost due to post-harvest handling inefficiencies.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRegarding food security, 59.5% of households were food secure, while 23% were mildly food insecure, 9% moderately food insecure, and 8.5% severely food insecure. The findings highlight the need for strengthened institutional support, including training and technical assistance, to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security among smallholder papaya producers.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Effect of Papaya Post-Harvest Losses on Food Security of Producing Households: TheCase of Dugda Wereda, East Shoa, Ethiopia","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-23 08:52:40","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7110032/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-12-18T17:58:11+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-12-18T08:26:28+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"293342401921173253950276108386080345100","date":"2025-11-15T08:12:54+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"106053860668345875012440728705426065095","date":"2025-10-27T11:12:54+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-01T02:29:52+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"243185568514283532186690328929940815803","date":"2025-09-18T10:33:30+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-07-29T05:59:00+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-07-29T05:39:46+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-07-29T04:41:00+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-07-15T12:36:06+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2025-07-15T12:06:21+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"a6668d2a-2d9a-404c-a25b-a38711b7f19a","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 23rd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[{"id":51852571,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental social sciences"},{"id":51852572,"name":"Health sciences/Health care"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-22T18:38:08+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-23 08:52:40","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7110032","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7110032","identity":"rs-7110032","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}