Impact of post-harvest handling technologies on the income of small holder maize farmers in Kasese district

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional survey investigated the relationship between Post-harvest handling technologies and maize farmers’ income in Kasese district. The survey had three objectives including: determining the effect of availability of post-harvest handling technologies on maize farmers’ income; establishing the role of training in post-harvest handling technologies on maize farmers’ income; and, finding out the effect of adoption of post-harvest handling technologies on maize farmers’ income. The study adopted mixed methods whereby a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews and document review were used to collect data. The data was collected from 151 respondents. The data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations as well as correlation and regression analyses for quantitative data and for qualitative data, thematic analysis was used. The findings revealed: a weak positive relationship between availability of post-harvest handling technologies and maize farmers’ income that is not statistically significant (rho=0.013, sig=0.436); (ii) a significant moderate positive relationship between training in post-harvest handling technology and maize farmers’ income (rho=0.003, sig=0.000); and a significant moderate positive relationship between adoption of post-harvest handling technology and maize farmers’ income (rho=0.349, sig=0.000). According to a regression analysis, training in post-harvest handling technology was the greatest contributor to maize farmers’ income. Therefore, the study calls for more investment in training of farmers in post-harvest handling technologies to increase their adoption of these technologies, hence increasing farmers’ income. Future studies should explore more dimensions of post-harvest handling technology focusing on training and adoption and maize farmers’ income a clear appreciation of the phenomena.