Assessment of the causes and implications of post-harvest handling losses of rice in Namutumba district
Abstract
The major purpose of the study was to assess the causes and implications of post harvest
handling losses of rice in Namutumba district. The specific objectives of the study were: to
characterize rice farmers in Namutumba district, To measure the extent of post harvest handling
losses of rice at harvesting, threshing, storage and milling and to determine the causes of post
harvest handling losses of rice in Namutumba district.
The study employed cross sectional design. The design is chosen because it is cost effective. It
allowed rapport establishment with the respondent. Acquisition of more in-depth information
through interaction with the respondents was also done. Extensive observation and note-taking
during interviews and respondents meetings was done. This study used both the quantitative and
qualitative data.
The study revealed that about 40% of the rice farmers interviewed indicated that they
experienced postharvest losses of rice and that the losses were very high due to lack of improved
seeds. Respondents also reported that the problem of lack of improved seeds was the major cause
of post harvest losses. According to the rice farmers, mechanization of the post harvest activities,
providing technical knowhow and access to financial resources to acquire appropriate inputs
could help reduce the losses in rice
The study recommended that postharvest loss reduction programmes to rice farmers through
advocacy and awareness should be emphacised. When a loss reduction campaign is coupled with
potent and sustainable food systems, the yield gap will be addressed. A campaign like this should
incorporate competitive rice production, appropriate harvesting times and farmer field schools
among identified Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Farmer Based Organisations
(FBOs). Through the implementation of a loss reduction programme campaign, there will be
high tendency to conserve and convert rice loss to plate. Farmer Field Schools (FFS), and
exchange visits are implemented with in rice growing communities; it will bring on board both
extension personnel and farmers. For instance, when rice farmers are taught loss reduction
through demonstration fields, the prevailing losses at field will be lessened. Moreover, such
programmes will increase awareness among rice farmers, private sector and high policy level.