Improved maize post-harvest handling technologies and their impact on maize farmers’ income in Kamuli district

Abstract

This cross-sectional research survey studied improved maize post-harvest handling technologies and their impact on maize farmers’ income in Kamuli district. The research survey had three specific objectives which were: to assess the level of adoption of improved maize post-harvest handling technologies among maize farmers, to establish and compare income levels and welfare of farmer adopters and non-adopters of improved maize post-harvest handling technologies and to investigate factors contributing to income differences among farmer adopters and farmer non-adopters of improved maize post-harvest handling technologies. The study took on mixed methods i.e. well-structured questionnaire interviews and key informant interviews were used to collect data. The findings constituted of an 86% response rate from the target number of respondents. Using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS Version 20), the quantitative data was analyzed using frequency and percentage tables, clustered bar graphs and linear regression analysis, while for qualitative data, direct quotes were used. The findings showed (i) the level of adoption of adoption of improved maize post-harvest handling technologies was moderate, (ii) maize farmer adopters had higher incomes and improved welfares as compared to maize farmer non-adopters of improved maize post-harvest handling technologies and (iii) sex of the maize farmers, the other income sources of the farmers and the adoption/non-adoption of improved maize post-harvest handling technologies contributed to income differences. Therefore, the study calls for increased involvement of youth and male farmers in maize post-harvest management, change of maize farmers’ negative mindset on improved maize post-harvest handling technologies, sensitization on positive results of use of improved post-harvest handling technologies all targeting to increase the use of improved maize post-harvest management technologies among the non-adopters hence increasing farmers’ income and reducing income inequalities.