Contribution Of Women In Post-Harvest Loss Management Of Cereal Grains Among Agropastoralists In Chamwino District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Post-harvest loss of cereal grains in Tanzania is a serious problem and is widespread even when the country experiences bumper harvest. Despite the efforts made by the government and other stakeholders to reduce post-harvest loss of cereal grains, there is still persistence of the cereal grains losses during post-harvest activities. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the contribution of women in PHLM of cereal grains among agro-pastoralists in Chamwino District, Tanzania. Specific objectives were: to explore women’s activities in PHLM of cereal grains; examine how women contribute to PHLM of cereal grains; and examine challenges facing women in PHLM of cereal grains. Cross-sectional research design was employed in this study where both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed. The sample size of this study was 100 respondents comprising 92 women who involve in PHLM using questionnaire and from 8 key informants using interview guide. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software program version 20 to obtain frequency and percentage. The study revealed that women spent more time involving in post-harvest activities that include harvesting, threshing, winnowing and storage of cereal grains than men. Despite the contribution of women in PHLM of cereal grains to ensure availability of food in households, lack of adequate training and proper post-harvest handling technologies are still hindering the efforts made by them. The study recommends the government and other stakeholders to reform and formulate development policies which are in favor of contribution of women in PHLM of cereal grains. The policies should ensure availability of handling equipments, agro-chemicals and gender equality during PHLM of cereal grains.