Benefits of post-harvest handling technology adoption on cassava production among small-scale farmers in Buyende district:

Abstract

Cassava is an important food an income security crop that supports livelihood of millions of small scale farmers in Uganda and is among the dominant staple food crop in Buyende District. The study was conducted in Nkondo sub-county on the benefits of post-harvest handling technology on cassava production among small scale farmers in Nkondo sub-county, Buyende District. The study was to assess the benefits of post-harvest handling technology on cassava production among small scale farmers with specific objectives of assessing the percentage losses resulting from the use of indigenous Post-harvest handling technologies by small scale cassava farmers in Nkondo sub county, identifying the key post handling technologies practiced by small scale cassava farmers in Nkondo sub county, and identify the best and cost effective post-harvest technology that can be recommended for up scaling in Nkondo sub-county. A sample of 32 respondents were selected through random sampling and purposive from selected parishes. Data was collected by the use of questionnaires and the key interviewed. Data was analyzed by use of micro soft excel on the key post-harvest technology adopted by small scale farmers From the study findings, the highest percentage of respondents reported sun drying leads to high losses especially during rainy season, followed by those said grinding, packaging and lastly least percentage loss was reported by respondents who adopted chipping. Therefore, the level of percentage loss was high and this calls for immediate intervention in order to reduce on the losses incurred by small scale cassava farmers. The study thus made the following recommendation; The government should come up with agricultural loan schemes to help farmers get income to adopt modern technologies that are profitable since an increase in the technology results into increase in the number of bags of cassava There is need for the government to empower the agriculture extensional officers through training such that they are able to train the cassava farmers on the better post harvesting technologies as training courses and extension visits positively influenced technology use.