Authors:
Chepwambok, L.;
Adede, W. O.;
Mugalavai, V.K.;
Onkware, A.O |
Abstract:
Post-harvest management of farm produce determine the quality and quantity of the end product
which may affect availability and accessibility of food. The study assessed the utilization of postharvest technologies among smallholder farmers in Kerio Valley Elgeyo Marakwet County,
Kenya and their effect on food security. A cross sectional survey was used to collect data on the
level of food availability and accessibility of food using a self-administered questionnaire on 217
respondents, an observation checklist and interview schedule. The respondents were categorized
as food insecure with an HFIAS score of 5.2. There was a significant positive correlation
between the level of food insecurity in the area and the level of post-harvest food losses incurred
during threshing(r=.329, p =.03) and storage (r =.571, p =.02) all at p<.05. This indicates that
inadequate and inappropriate use of postharvest technologies led to post-harvest losses thus
increased food insecurity in the study area. There is therefore need to capacitate all the players in
the food value chain especially in the area of post-harvest management by promoting the use of
improved post-harvest and processing technologies. All the stakeholders including government
divisions, NGOs, and development partners who specialize in the area of postharvest
management should embrace a multi-prong approach to enhancing the food security situation of
communities at large. |
