A Statistical Assessment of the Likelihood of Post-Harvest Losses Among Tuberculosis-Affected Farmers in Benue State

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical public health issue, particularly in countries with limited economic resources, and has significant implications for agricultural productivity. This study statistically assessed the likelihood of post-harvest losses among tuberculosis-affected farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 300 TB-affected farmers across Agatu, Gwer West, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas through structured questionnaires. Specifically, it assessed how TB affects the timeliness of harvest and the likelihood of experiencing post-harvest losses. The study employed descriptive statistics, Chi-Square test of independence, and binary logistic regression analysis to explore the relationship between TB and post-harvest losses. Chi-square test of independence revealed that, tuberculosis significantly hinders farmers’ ability to harvest at the appropriate period, leading to increased post-harvest losses (χ² = 100.5, df = 1, p = 0.000). The symmetric measures (Phi = 0.579; Cramer’s V = 0.579) indicated a moderately strong association between TB and post-harvest losses. Logistic regression results further showed that period of harvest (Exp(B) = 12.239), inappropriate harvest losses (Exp(B) = 4.828), decline in income (Exp(B) = 0.500), and feeling after harvest (Exp(B) = 0.702) were significant predictors of post-harvest losses (Nagelkerke R² = 0.517; classification accuracy = 83%). The study concludes that TB, particularly when coinciding with harvest periods, significantly increases the risk of post-harvest losses among affected farmers due to physical debilitation and labour shortages. It recommends health interventions should be aligned with the agricultural support programs to ensure TB-affected farmers receive medical and physical assistance during harvest periods.