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Abstract Papaya is among the most economically important fruit crops cultivated in Ethiopia supporting the livelihood of thousands of people. Anthracnose of papaya caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is the major limitation that threatens the production and consumption of papaya fruit worldwide. This investigation was initiated to determine the current status of papaya anthracnose and identify factors influencing postharvest loss of papaya fruit in Assosa Zone, western Ethiopia. Field and market assessments were conducted in three major papaya-producing districts of Assosa Zone namely Assosa, Bambasi, and Homosha. Data on the disease intensity of anthracnose was recorded both in the field and in the market. Furthermore, factors associated with postharvest disease development were recorded through administration of a pretested semi-structured questionnaire to randomly selected papaya producers, wholesalers, and retailers. The results revealed that anthracnose of papaya was prevalent in all assessed localities, nevertheless, there was a significant (p