Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers on Influence of Packaging Postharvest Handling Technology on Quality of Tomatoes in Kisii and Nyamira Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Reduction of damages, retention of quality of fresh horticultural produce as well as protection against mechanical damages is due to proper packaging. The study aimed at assessing perceptions of smallholder farmers on influence of packaging postharvest handling technologies on quality of tomatoes in the counties of Kisii and Nyamira. The study objective was to assess perceptions of smallholder farmers on influence of postharvest handling methods of packaging on quality of tomatoes in Kisii and Nyamira Counties. The research used descriptive survey research design, multistage sampling technique, purposive sampling to sample counties of Kisii and Nyamira, simple random sampling to sample three sub counties of Kisii Central, Bomachoge Borabu and Borabu Sub Counties. A total of 168 registered smallholder farmers from a target population of 1001 were sampled. Extension officers from Kisii Central, Kenyenya and Borabu were contacted and informed on the purpose of the interview, importance of data in research and the need to respond truthfully to ensure that data collected is reliable. The semi-structured questionnaire was administered to smallholder tomato farmers. Descriptive statistics was analyzed in the form of percentages, means and standard deviation and presented in the form of tables and charts. Inferential statistics was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20 software. Pearson’s Correlation was used to show the relationships between the variables of dependent and independent with results revealing that methods of packaging had weak positive influence on postharvest quality of tomatoes (r=.286, p<.05). Therefore, necessity to sensitize smallholder farmers on principles of proper packaging of tomato for quality delivery to the market.