Abstract
High postharvest losses in developing countries negate the efforts geared towards improving food security. Poor produce quality including high prevalence of mycotoxin contamination is another significant problem. Appropriate postharvest handling and processing provide opportunities to reduce postharvest losses and improve food safety. This study was aimed at establishing the postharvest handling practices and estimating qualitative and quantitative postharvest losses for maize, millet, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, cassava, and sweet potatoes among farmers in 3 districts (Kamuli, Apac and Nakasongola) in Uganda, representing different agro-ecological zones. The study was done in late August 2014 after the first season harvests (June-August). Farmer interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data on postharvest loss estimates and postharvest handling practices. Samples of the different foods were collected and analyzed for physical quality characteristics, mould count and aflatoxin contamination using standard laboratory procedures. The results show predominance of rudimentary and inappropriate postharvest handling methods. Postharvest loss estimates were generally high, with values of 41%, 33%, 33%, 26%, 31%, 22%, 17% and 19% for maize, millet, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, cowpea, sweet potatoes and cassava respectively. The highest loss for all the crops was recorded at storage. Prevalence of aflatoxin contamination was 44%, 91%, 55%, 36%, 35% and 60% for maize, sorghum, groundnuts, millet, sweet potatoes and cassava respectively. Sorghum, maize and groundnuts were found to have the highest aflatoxin contamination levels. Chi-square test (p = 0.024, odds ratio = 5) showed that grain dried on bare ground had higher aflatoxin levels than that dried on a covered surface. The findings of this study reveal a serious need for postharvest interventions as a strategy to address food security.
Highlights
The post-harvest system encompasses a sequence of activities and operations that can be divided into two groups: the technical activities and economic activities
High postharvest losses in developing countries negate the efforts geared towards improving food security
This study was aimed at establishing the postharvest handling practices and estimating qualitative and quantitative postharvest losses for maize, millet, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, cassava, and sweet potatoes among farmers in 3 districts (Kamuli, Apac and Nakasongola) in Uganda, representing different agro-ecological zones
Summary
The post-harvest system encompasses a sequence of activities and operations that can be divided into two groups: the technical activities (including harvesting, field drying, threshing, cleaning, additional drying, storage, processing, and quality control) and economic activities (including transporting, marketing, information and communication, administration and management). Aflatoxin contamination of key staples can affect each of the four pillars of food security (availability, access, utilization, and stability). Contamination in staples such as maize, sorghum and groundnuts can directly reduce availability of food since highly contaminated food is not suitable for human consumption. Post-harvest losses in Sub-Saharan Africa are estimated at 5% - 13% for cereals, 12% - 18% for oilseeds and pulses and 13% - 29% for root and tuber crops [6] If saved, this would go a long way in contributing to food security. The aim of this study was to provide information about the prevailing post-harvest knowledge, handling practices and losses for main staple crops produced in Uganda (maize, millet, sorghum, grain amaranth, beans, groundnuts, cowpeas, sweet potatoes and cassava)
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