Farmer indigenous knowledge and reduction of postharvest handling losses along the maize value chain in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is the information base for a society, which facilitates communication and decision-making (Barrett, 2017). The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of farmer indigenous knowledge in addressing postharvest handling losses along the maize value chain in Eastern Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional research design which involved both qualitative and quantitative data methods. The study was conducted in October 2022. Quantitative data was collected from 285 randomly selected respondent using questionnaires while the qualitative data was collected using focus group discussions and interview guides, respectively. Results show majority of farmers use indigenous postharvest handling practices such as harvesting maize with use of knives (46.1%) and hands (53.9%), drying on the bare ground (74.7%) and storing in gunny bags (40.7%). The use of ingenious knowledge relates directly to postharvest losses at every stage of the value chain. Farmers who applied IK recorded losses of 5-10kg of maize per 100kgs harvested. However, IK is more dominant among smallholder farmers compared to largescale farmers. Very few farmers are aware that improper handling practices cause postharvest losses. Use of indigenous PHH practices is influenced by level of education, poverty, access to modern technologies and costs of technologies among others. In conclusion, despite the availability of improved PHH technologies and practices, majority of smallholder farmers still use indigenous technology and practices resulting in postharvest losses along the maize value chain. Uses of improved technologies, such as moisture meters, portable dryers and hermetic storages devices, can help to reduce postharvest losses for maize. Improving postharvest management practices can further contribute to reducing poverty and food insecurity in Eastern Uganda. I recommend that stakeholders in agriculture devise ways of improving cost and availability of improved technologies to smallholder farmers to improve the quality and quantity of maize.