Effects of extension services on the use of improved post-harvest technologies on maize:

Abstract

High PHL have constrained maize production after Harvesting which is mainly caused by the different PHHTs used and these are either the traditional PHHTs or the improved PHHHTs. This study aimed to determine the effects of extension services on the use of the improved PHHTs in Munarya sub county, Kapchorwa district. The improved PHHTs are associated with minimized PHL. Cross-sectional data was collected from 75 randomly sampled farmers, 2 extension service providers and 3 maize buyers’/ demo farmers that were selected purposively. Prepared structured questionnaires were filled by the help of selected enumerators who were trained. Tarpaulins, shelling machines, sacks, plastic silos and traditional crib were the most used improved PHHTs. Farmers gave different reasons for their choice of a given technology and some of the reasons included, ease to use, accessibility in shops and efficiency and the cost of the technology. Extension and support services contributed positively to the use of the different improved PHHTs such as tarpaulins and sacks that were received as subsidy’s under ACDP and farmers had several contacts with extension stuffs and these involved training on the use of the improved PHHTs. Finally the study recommended the government to increase on the extension stuff at the sub county because most farmers weren’t able to receive extension due to the limited stuff, access to credit facilities was also one of the main issues recommended that had an impact on the limited use of the improved PHHTs because most farmers were unable to own the improved PHHTs due to their expensive nature and in the near future this will increase the use of the improved PHHTs hence minimizing PHL, minimizing food insecurity and also improving the standards of living of the farmers.