Association between Household Socio-Demographic Factors and Postharvest Management Technologies Use for Grains in Dodoma Region, Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijhss.2771Keywords:
Socio-Demographic Factors, Postharvest Management, Technologies, Grains, Household.Abstract
Purpose: Postharvest management technologies for grains have received inadequate attention as part of food security programmes, and there are has been scant literature detailing their association with socio-demographic factors. This paper assesses the association between socio-demographic factors and postharvest management technologies used for grains in Dodoma Region, Tanzania, focusing on socio-demographic factors of maize and sorghum farmers, postharvest management technologies used for maize and sorghum, and associations between the socio-demographic factors and the technologies.
Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional research design whereby proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 384 households from eight villages. Data were collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software Version 20 whereas thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.
Findings: Results showed that small-scale farming households in Dodoma Region used three main types of postharvest management technologies for grains: Improved technologies which include metal silos, airtight containers, and Purdue Improved Crop Storage Bags (PICS); semi-improved technologies, mostly polypropylene bags; and local technologies, particularly granaries. Chi-square analysis tests showed that household size, household head’s sex, age, marital status, and education level were significantly associated with the types of postharvest management technologies used (p < 0.05).
Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which household sociodemographic characteristics are associated with adoption of postharvest management technologies. Its contributions include policy ideas for promoting postharvest technologies for grains in Tanzania, based on socio-demographic factors.
Downloads
References
Abunga, M., Emelia, A., Samuel, G., & Dadzie, K. (2012). Adoption of Modern Agricultural Production Technologies by Farm Households in Ghana : What Factors Influence their Decisions ? 2(3), 1–14.
Achandi, E. L., Mujawamariya, G., Agboh-Noameshie, A. R., Gebremariam, S., Rahalivavololona, N., & Rodenburg, J. (2018). Women’s access to agricultural technologies in rice production and processing hubs: A comparative analysis of Ethiopia, Madagascar and Tanzania. Journal of Rural Studies, 60(May), 188–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.03.011
Afzal, I., Kamran, M., Ahmed Basra, S. M., Ullah Khan, S. H., Mahmood, A., Farooq, M., & Tan, D. K. Y. (2020). Harvesting and post-harvest management approaches for preserving cottonseed quality. Industrial Crops and Products, 155(November), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112842
Ameh, Michael & Andrew, C. I. (2017). Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Agricultural Loan Acquisition among Small-Scale Rice Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Agriculture & Biology Research, 5(4), 8–17. www.seahipaj.org
Anaglo, J. (2014). Gender and access to agricultural resources by smallholder farmers in the Central Tongu District of Ghana. Journal of Socialogy, 2(3), 13–19.
Asfaw, S., Shiferaw, B., Simtowe, F., & Lipper, L. (2012). Impact of modern agricultural technologies on smallholder welfare: Evidence from Tanzania and Ethiopia. Food Policy, 37(3), 283–295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2012.02.013
Baum, F., Musolino, C., Gesesew, H. A., & Popay, J. (2021). New perspective on why women live longer than men: An exploration of power, gender, social determinants, and capitals. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020661
Bendinelli, W. E., Su, C. T., Péra, T. G., & Caixeta Filho, J. V. (2020). What are the main factors that determine post-harvest losses of grains? Sustainable Production and Consumption, 21(xxxx), 228–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2019.09.002
Benimana, G. U., Ritho, C., & Irungu, P. (2021). Assessment of factors affecting the decision of smallholder farmers to use alternative maize storage technologies in Gatsibo District-Rwanda. Heliyon, 7(10), e08235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08235
Berem, R. (2007). Is value Addition in Honey a Panacea for Poverty Reduction in the Asal in Africa? Empirical Evidence from Baringo District. AgEcon Search, 18. file:///F:/Spec 2/Traffic Delay Model.pdf
Bisheko, M. J., & Rejikumar. (2024). Mitigating postharvest losses: A policy-driven approach to empowering smallholder farmers in Tanzania. Scientific African, 23(January), e02119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02119
Borhara, K., Pokharel, B., Bean, B., Deng, L., & Wang, S. S. (2020). On Tanzania’s precipitation climatology, variability, and future projection. Climate, 8(2), 34–52.
Bradford, K. J., Dahal, P., Van Asbrouck, J., Kunusoth, K., Bello, P., Thompson, J., & Wu, F. (2020). The dry chain: Reducing postharvest losses and improving food safety in humid climates. In M. R. Kosseva & C. Webb (Eds.), Food industry wastes: assessment and recuperation of commodities (pp. 375–389). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817121-9.00017-6
Butt, T. M., Zakaria Yousaf Hassan, K. M., & Muhammad, S. (2010). Role of rural women in agricultural development and their constraints. Journal of Agriculture and Social Sciences, 6(3), 53–56. http://www.fspublishers.org/jass/past-issues/JASSVOL_6_NO_3/3.pdf
Chaboud, G., & Daviron, B. (2017). Food losses and waste : Navigating the inconsistencies. Global Food Security Journal, 12(2017), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2016.11.004
Cochran, W. (1977). Sampling Techniques (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Darfour, B., & Rosentrater, K. A. (2022). Environmental Assessment and Cost Analysis of the Manufacturing, Transport, and Use of Actellic Super and Azadirachtin Insecticides for the Treatment of Maize Grains. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 6(May), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.863936
Doss, C. R., & Morris, M. L. (2000). How does gender affect the adoption of agricultural innovations?: The case of improved maize technology in Ghana. Agricultural Economics (United Kingdom), 25(1), 27–39. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-0862.2001.tb00233.x
Ekpa, O., Palacios-rojas, N., Kruseman, G., Fogliano, V., & Linnemann, A. R. (2018). Sub-Saharan African maize-based foods : Technological perspectives to increase the food and nutrition security impacts of maize breeding programmes. Global Food Security, 17(2018), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2018.03.007
Fabi, C., Cachia, F., Conforti, P., English, A., & Rosero Moncayo, J. (2021). Improving data on food losses and waste: From theory to practice. Food Policy, 98(January), 101934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2020.101934
FAO. (2018). Guidelines on the measurement of harvest and post-harvest losses Guidelines on the measurement of harvest and post-harvest losses. Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics, 137.
FAO. (2024). Hunger numbers stubbornly high for three consecutive years as global crises deepen. In Wfp. https://www.wfp.org/news
Gustavsson, J., Cederberg, C., & Sonesson, U. (2011). Global food losses and food waste. Save Food Congress.
Haq, S. U., Shahbaz, P., Abbas, A., Batool, Z., Alotaibi, B. A., & Traore, A. (2022). Tackling Food and Nutrition Insecurity among Rural Inhabitants: Role of Household‐Level Strategies with a Focus on Value Addition, Diversification and Female Participation. Land, 11(2), 254–273. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11020254
Hasanuzzaman, M. (2014). Postharvest technology. Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. https://hasanuzzaman.weebly.com/uploads/9/3/4/0/934025/postharvest_technology.pdf
Kadilikansimba, P. B., Sife, A. S., & Machimu, G. M. (2023). Effects of Socio-demographic Characteristics on Adoption of Improved Sorghum Farming Practices in Dodoma Region. 13(3), 145–157.
Kalita, D. K. and P. (2017). Reducing Postharvest Losses during Storage of Grain Crops to Strengthen Food Security in Developing Countries. Foods, 6(8), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6010008
Kiaya, V. (2014). Post-harvest losses and strategies to reduce them. ACF, 25(3), 1–25.
Lelea, M. A., Garbaba, C. A., Guluma, A., & Hensel, O. (2022). Gendering post-harvest loss research: responsibilities of women and men to manage maize after harvest in southwestern Ethiopia. Food Security, 14(4), 951–963. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-022-01259-y
Lindsjö, K., Mulwafu, W., Andersson Djurfeldt, A., & Joshua, M. K. (2021). Generational dynamics of agricultural intensification in Malawi: challenges for the youth and elderly smallholder farmers. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 19(5–6), 423–436. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2020.1721237
Lowder, S. K., Skoet, J., & Raney, T. (2016). The Number, Size, and Distribution of Farms, Smallholder Farms, and Family Farms Worldwide. World Development, 87(1), 16–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.10.041
Magagula, B., & Tsvakirai, C. Z. (2020). Youth perceptions of agriculture: influence of cognitive processes on participation in agripreneurship. Development in Practice, 30(2), 234–243. https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2019.1670138
Manandhar, A., Milindi, P., & Shah, A. (2018). An overview of the post-harvest grain storage practices of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Agriculture, 8(57), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8040057
Manda, J., Feleke, S., Mutungi, C., Tufa, A. H., Mateete, B., Abdoulaye, T., & Alene, A. D. (2024). Technological Forecasting & Social Change Assessing the speed of improved postharvest technology adoption in Tanzania : The role of social learning and agricultural extension services. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 202(July 2022), 123306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123306
Maonga, B. B., Assa, M. M., & Haraman, E. M. K. (2013). Adoption of small metallic grain silos in Malawi: A farm level cross-sectional study. International Journal of Development International Journal of Development and Sustainability International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 22(22), 1534–1548. www.isdsnet.com
Massawe, G. D. (2016). Farming systems and household food security in Tanzania : the case of Mvomero and Kishapu Districts. University College Dublin.
Mignouna, D. B., Manyong, V. M., Rusike, J., Mutabazi, K. D. S., & Senkondo, E. M. (2011). Determinants of adopting imazapyr-resistant maize technologies and its impact on household income in Western Kenya. AgBioForum, 14(3), 158–163.
Mthi, S., Yawa, M., Tokozwayo, S., & Ikusika, O. O. (2021). An Assessment of Youth Involvement in Agricultural Activities in Eastern Cape Province , South Africa. 12(1), 1034–1047. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2021.1210066
Mukarumbwa, P., Mushunje, A., Taruvinga, A., Akinyemi, B., & Ngarava, S. (2017). Factors influencing number of post-harvest practices adopted by smallholder vegetable farmers in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. Factors Influencing International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 6(11), 1774–1790. www.isdsnet.com/ijds
Mutungi, C., Manda, J., Feleke, S., Abass, A., Bekunda, M., Hoschle-Zeledon, I., & Fischer, G. (2023). Adoption and impacts of improved post-harvest technologies on food security and welfare of maize-farming households in Tanzania: a comparative assessment. Food Security, 15(4), 1007–1023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-023-01365-5
Mwageni, T. ., Hosea, M., & Fadhili, M. (2022). Adoption of Improved Storage Technology for Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses among Smallholder Cereal Crop Farmers: Lessons from Mvomero District, Tanzania. 9(2), 1–12.
Njeru, L. K. (2017). Youth in Agriculture ; Perceptions and Challenges for Enhanced Participation in Kajiado North Sub-County , Kenya. 8, 203–209. https://doi.org/10.15580/GJAS.2017.8.100117141
Obi-Egbedi, O., Omotoso, O. S., & Ajayi, O. I. (2022). Livelihood diversification, gender and poverty among rural households in Osun state, Nigeria. Rural Economics and Development, 25(1), 1.47.
Ochieng, N. A., & Ochieng, N. A. (2020). Are youth moving towards or away from agriculture? Analysis of farm and non-farm occupational choices among youth in rural Tanzania.
Oladimeji, Y. ., Abdulsalam, Z. ., & Abdullahi, A. . (2015). Determinants of participation of rural farm households in non-farm activities in Kwara state, Nigeria: a paradigm of poverty alleviation. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies & Management, 8(6), 635–649.
Overfield, D., & Fleming, E. (2001). A Note on the Influence of Gender Relations on the Technical Efficiency of Smallholder Coffee Production in Papua New Guinea. Journal of Agricultural Economics, 52(1), 153–156. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-9552.2001.tb00915.x
Owitti, O. (2015). Gender Differences and Relations in Rural Household Livelihoods of Gog District, Anywaa Zone, Gambella Region, South Western Ethiopia. International Journal of Gender & Women’s Studies, 3(1), 51–79. https://doi.org/10.15640/ijgws.v3n1a7
Papageorgiou, M., & Skendi, A. (2018). Sustainable Recovery and Reutilization of Cereal 1 - Introduction to cereal processing and by-products. Food Science, Technology and Nutrition, 25(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102162-0.00001-0
Purohit, P., Kumar, A., & Kandpal, T. C. (2006). Solar drying vs. open sun drying: A framework for financial evaluation. Solar Energy, 80(12), 1568–1579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2005.12.009
Qu, H., Masud, M. H., Islam, M., Khan, M. I. H., Ananno, A. A., & Karim, A. (2021). Sustainable food drying technologies based on renewable energy sources. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 20(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1907529
Raheem, D., Dayoub, M., Birech, R., & Nakiyemba, A. (2021). The contribution of cereal grains to food security and sustainability in Africa : Potential application of UAV in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Namibia. Urban Science, 5(8), 1–15.
Ramírez, O. A., & Shultz, S. D. (2000). Poisson Count Models to Explain the Adoption of Agricultural and Natural Resource Management Technologies by Small Farmers in Central American Countries. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 32(1), 21–33. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1074070800027796
Santeramo, F. G. (2021). Exploring the link among food loss, waste and food security: what the research should focus on? Agriculture and Food Security, 10(1), 4–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-021-00302-z
Sharma, P., Roy, M., Roy, B., & Deka, S. D. (2023). Post Harvest Management Strategies and Storage Approaches for Quality Seed Production. Emerging Issues in Agricultural Sciences, 2(3), 110–129. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/eias/v2/4688e
Tefera, T., Kanampiu, F., Groote, H. De, Hellin, J., Mugo, S., Kimenju, S., Beyene, Y., Boddupalli, P. M., Shiferaw, B., & Banziger, M. (2011). The metal silo : An effective grain storage technology for reducing post-harvest insect and pathogen losses in maize while improving smallholder farmers ’ food security in developing countries. Crop Protection, 30(3), 240–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2010.11.015
Tibagonzeka, J. E., Akumu, G., Kiyimba, F., Atukwase, A., Wambete, J., Bbemba, J., & Muyonga, J. H. (2018). Post-harvest handling practices and losses for legumes and starchy staples in Uganda. Agricultural Sciences, 09(01), 141–156. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2018.91011
Trevor, S., & Kwenye, J. M. (2018). Rural Youth Participation in Agriculture in Zambia. 22(2), 1–71.
Twilumba, J. K., A.K.Ahmad, & Shausi, G. L. (2020). Factors Influencing Use of Improved Postharvest Storage Technologies among Small Scale Maize Farmers: a Case of Kilolo district, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 19(1), 11–21.
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (2015). Sustainable consumption and production indicators for the future SDGs- UNEP discussion paper.
United Republic of Tanzania [URT]. (2023). Nationa panel survey Tanzania Wave 5, 2020-2021. National Bureau of Statistics.
URT. (2007). National Sample Census of Agriculture 2002/2003: Dodoma Region Report. National Sample Census of Agriculture, VIII-a(September), 1–339. https://www.nbs.go.tz
Vo, C. Q., Samuelsen, P. J., Sommerseth, H. L., Wisløff, T., Wilsgaard, T., & Eggen, A. E. (2023). Comparing the sociodemographic characteristics of participants and non-participants in the population-based Tromsø Study. BMC Public Health, 23 (1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15928-w
WHO. (2022). UN Report : Global hunger numbers rose to as many as 828 million in 2021. https://www.who.int/news/item/06-07-2022.
Yokamo, S. (2020). Adoption of improved agricultural technologies in developing countries: literature review. International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture, 4(2), 183–190. https://doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2020.06.010.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Deodata Vicent Mtenga , Kim Abel Kayunze , Justus Vincent Nsenga
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
