Factors Influencing Use of Improved Postharvest Storage Technologies among Small Scale Maize Farmers: a Case of Kilolo district, Tanzania

Abstract

The study assessed factors influencing the use of improved postharvest storage technologies among small-scale maize farmers in Kilolo District, Tanzania. Data were collected from 260 maize farmers by using the questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and through personal observations. Descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, percentage and a binary logistic regression model were computed. Formal education, access to credit, access to extension services, membership in farmer groups and distance from home to the market place were found to be the farmers’ determinants of the use of improved postharvest storage technologies. The study recommends that extension agents should increase their contact with farmers, the government should look for possibilities to subsidize improved postharvest storage technologies with a high initial cost in order to enhance their use. Additionally, the Kilolo District Council and other development partners should encourage farmers to form groups for community food storage such as cereal banks and warehouse receipts system.

Keywords: Factors, postharvest storage technologies, small scale farmers, Kilolo District.