The Effect of Post-harvest Handling Practices of Indigenous Leafy Vegetable on Food and Nutrition Security Among Farmers in Isingiro Town Council, Isingiro District

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of post-harvest handling practices of indigenous leafy vegetable on food and nutrition security among farmers in Isingiro Town Council, Isingiro district. The specific objective was to; identify the factors influencing the use of different post-harvest handling practices on indigenous leafy vegetables. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design applying quantitative and qualitative approaches for data collection. Data was captured from a sample of 200 respondents using both questionnaire and interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed availability of technologies as one of the major factors influencing use of postharvest handling practices as supported by 91.8% and mean of 4.459. Furthermore, the garden tools available, level of knowledge and exposure to existing appropriate postharvest handling practices and experience in vegetable growing and handling also determined the use of postharvest handling practices. The study recommends that there should be provision of materials to farmers to use or hire at a relatively cheap cost, for instance polyethylene, tarpaulins, artificial driers using solar to help them come up with quality products for increased market competitiveness. There is also a need to explore community-based approaches and participatory decision-making processes among stakeholders.