Awareness, Utilization and Barriers of Sexual Reproductive Health Service among Adolescent Age 15-19 YRS Old in Arsi Zone Oromia Region Ethiopia

Abstract

Onion has significant economic importance in Ethiopia. Although quantitative evidence is limited, postharvest loss in onion is considerably high. This study was aimed at identifying determinants of postharvest losses of onion at the farmer level and conducted from January to August 2014 in Lode Hetosa district of Arsi zone located in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from smallholder onion farmers via household survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews as well as field based observations. A total of 50 farmers were surveyed to collect primary data and postharvest losses were assessed at farm level. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model. The total postharvest loss of onion at farmer level was found to be 25.4%, mainly because of poor cultural practices and disease attack during production and harvesting as well as poor handling practices, storage and transport. The higher proportion of losses (10%) was observed at transport to market level The model regression results showed that gender of household head, level of education, time of harvest, use of ventilated storage facility, storage cooling