Postharvest knowledge, perceptions and practices of African small-scale maize and sorghum farmers

Due to a single annual food production season in southern Africa, small-scale maize and sorghum farmers store grain until the next harvest. The farmers’ postharvest knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) is important in reducing postharvest losses (PHLs); a key component of household food and nutritional security. Using random sampling, 310 farmers from two districts of Zimbabwe with contrasting agroecologies and agricultural systems (maize and sorghum) were interviewed to assess their KPP on post-production aspects. Maize and sorghum grain were stored in new and recycled polypropylene bags (93.5% and 42.6%) placed in ordinary rooms (44.5% and 27.1%), brick store houses (28.4% and 54.2%) and traditional huts (23.2% and 16.1), respectively. Farmers recognised field infestation as important source of insect infestation in sorghum (60%) but not in maize (21.3%). Synthetic commercial grain protectants were used more on maize (90.2%) than on sorghum grain (63.2%). Majority of farmers (> 75%) perceived these insecticides as both effective and safe to use. Farmers’ household reserved grain ran out before the next harvest and was supplemented through buying grain or mealie-meal with cash, or exchanging grain with labour or livestock. Postharvest information and training were scarce in both systems. The study provides important information to extensionists, policy makers, development agents and researchers for reviewing and benchmarking extension services and farmer training requirements to effectively accelerate progress towards PHL reduction and contribute to household and national food and nutritional security.