Economic Analysis Of Maize Storage Technologies Adopted By Smallholder Farmers In Kilosa And Kongwa Districts

ABSTRACT

Maize storage losses are a threat to smallholder farmers in developing countries. In Tanzania, smallholder farmers adopt various storage technologies in storing their maize. Hence, it is crucial to examine effectiveness of each technology adopted in storage loss abatement. Thus, this study aimed to undertake an Economic Analysis of Maize Storage Technologies Adopted by Smallholder Farmers in Kilosa and Kongwa Districts. It specifically focused on identifying various maize storage technologies practiced in the study area; examining the factors affecting choice of maize storage technologies used in the study area; and comparing the costs and benefits of maize storage technologies used in the study area. A cross sectional research design was adopted; a sample size of smallholder farmers was obtained through probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using STATA and Microsoft Excel computer software. Descriptive statistics, Multinomial Logistic Model and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) approaches were employed. The results revealed that three maize storage technologies commonly used in the study area are Sulphate bags, Hermetic bags, and Metal silo. It was also revealed that education, income and training have a negative and significant influence on the selection of Sulphate bags. The study also found that education, income and training are positively and significantly influencing the selection of hermetic bags. Further, metal silo was highly effective in controlling loss as compared to other storage. Hermetic bags follow after metal silo. Therefore, it is recommended that stakeholders on postharvest maize storages and food security; engage in provision of awareness training on postharvest trainings to smallholder farmers. Further, the Government ought to formulate policies that insist on provision of free education which will increase the number of people with basic knowledge of maize storage among others.