Improving Handling Systems of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Cameroon

Abstract

In Cameroon, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is among the most important fruits with a consumption of about 35%. A 5-months study was conducted in two tomato production basins, namely Tsinfou and Litieu. This study aims to reduce postharvest losses of tomato for contribute to increase income and standard of living of producers in the Menoua division. The postharvest technics adopted by producers, transporters and traders were identified through investigations and direct observations. The rate loss of tomato and its deterioration over a certain period of time were evaluated. Also, the type, nature and causes of these postharvest losses were determined. The results from this study show that, inappropriate post-harvest technics are practiced in all links of the supply chain. The average rate loss during harvest, transport, conservation is 7.50%, 6.50% and 35.50% respectively. They are caused by mechanical, biological and microbial actions, environmental and socio-economic factors. These losses reduce actor's incomes and the availability of tomatoes on the market, hence the inaccessibility for poor citizens.  Avoiding overloading and mixed transport of tomato crates with other products and using planks in lorry to overlap crates to minimize compression are two technics implemented by this study for reduce tomatoes postharvest losses. Establishment of affordable processing and conservation units, qualified workforce and maintaining a good state of roads should be adopted.