Effect of training on knowledge, attitude, and practice on the use of hermetic storage technologies among smallholder farmers in Tanzania
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Empirical Research
Abstract
Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of farmers in post-harvest management (PHM) are essential for reducing food waste.
However, their enhancement also depends on the training programs. Previous studies on the linkage between training programs
and farmers’ KAP have been conducted with less emphasis on hermetic storage technology (HST) for PHM. This study aimed to
assess the effect of training on KAP and, hence, the adoption of HSTs among smallholder farmers. The underlying theory of
change of the study assumes that awareness and access to post-harvest technologies have effects on adoption rates, hence
improving food security and income. A quasi-experimental matched-pair cluster randomization design was used to establish a
cause-and-effect relationship between an independent and dependent variable. Maize farmer groups totalling 637 farmers were
randomly selected and followed the experimental design of the “Evidence-based Scaling of Improved On-Farm Storage among
Smallholders in Tanzania” intervention from Kilosa and Kondoa districts of Tanzania, whereas the treatment group farmers
received training and free five hermetic storage bags each, while the control group farmers did not. However, this study
documented the demographic profiles of farmers in association with KAP on HST using a pre-designed structured questionnaire
and used ordinary least squares regression to explore this relationship. We find evidence consistent with a positive and significant
relationship between training, KAP, and adoption. The results suggest that the KAP score and adoption were high for farmers
who received training as an intervention for PHM using hermetic bags. Overall, the results are consistent with the theory that
there is an effect between training and KAP and, thus, the adoption of HST. The study recommends placing emphasis on farmer’s
training programs regarding PHM, thus increasing their knowledge, attitude, and practices, and hence their adoption, to enhance
food loss control.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Attitude, Hermetic Storage Bag, Knowledge, Post-Harvest Management, Practices