Abstract

Cocoyam is highly perishable and considerable economic losses can occur after it is harvested due to rot, sprouting and other physiological changes. This perspective hinges on the economic study of cocoyam storage in south-east Nigeria. The study was guided by null hypothesis that the mean cocoyam rot of the six storage methods did not significantly differ and that the mean income of the six storage methods did not significantly differ. Primary data was collected from 260 respondents through three sets of pre-tested questionnaires and daily/weekly monitoring of the 96 replications for the six storage methods under investigation. Secondary data came from journals, publications of the National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike. About 85% of the respondents were 40 years and above. The net incomes of the six storage methods were ₦56.92, ₦47.96, ₦47.80, ₦43.36, ₦15.25 and ₦3.00 per kg respectively. There was statistically significant difference (P<0.01) in the mean disease severity of the six storage methods. Modern techniques of storage was not used, therefore the study recommended that government should build the capacity of storers through seminars. Additionally financial/technical support should be provided.

Key words: Cocoyam, storage methods, yield losses, Nigeria.