Effects of post harvest handling technology on maize income among smallholder farmers in Nwoya district: a case of Anaka sub-county

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional survey investigated the relationship between Post-harvest handling technologies and maize farmers’ income in Nwoya district, Anaka sub-county. The survey had three objectives including: determining the different post-harvest handling technologies used by farmers in Anaka sub-county; comparing the income level of adopters and non-adopters of the post-harvest handling technologies on maize farmers’ income; and, determining the effect of adoption of post-harvest handling technologies on maize farmers’ income. The study adopted mix methods whereby a questionnaire survey was used to collect data. The data was collected from 75 respondents. The data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations as well as correlation and regression analyses for quantitative data whereas for qualitative data. According to a regression analysis, drying method as post-harvest handling technology was the greatest contributor to maize farmers’ income. Therefore, the study calls for more investment on drying methods as 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 other practices and adoption and maize farmers’ income a clear appreciation of the phenomena