Farmer’s choices for maize storage methods and their effect on farm income in Kamwine District.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the determinants of choice of maize storage methods and how they affect farm income in Kamwenge district. The specific objectives were; i) to document the storage methods used by maize farmers in Kamwenge district, ii) to identify factors that influence the choice of maize storage method used by farmers in Kamwenge district, and iii) to estimate the effect of storage method on farmer income in Kamwenge district. The study applied cross-sectional design utilizing quantitative approach to collect data from a sample size of 48 farmers in Kamwenge district using questionnaires. The study in Kamwenge District revealed that ordinary sacs were the most commonly used maize storage method, adopted by 87.5% of farmers. Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags were used by 47.9% of respondents, while traditional granaries were still employed by 31.3%. Metal silos had a lower adoption rate of 16.7%, and other methods such as plastic drums or improvised containers were used by 10.4% of farmers. The probit regression analysis identified six significant factors influencing the choice of storage methods. Pest control, availability of storage method, marital status, age, distance to the market and access to finance. Regarding effect of storage method on farm income, household size, quantity of maize harvested, highest level of education, and method of storage used had statistical significant effect on farmer income these findings suggest improved storage technologies lead to an increase in farm income in Kamwenge District. The study recommends that extension workers should promote wider adoption of improved maize storage technologies through subsidies, training, and finance to enhance incomes and reduce post-harvest losses.