POST-HARVEST LOSS REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND THEIR 4 CONTRIBUTION TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN 5 KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Post-harvest losses (PHL) continue to threaten food security and nutrition in sub- Saharan Africa, where estimates suggest that 20–40% of cereals are lost before consumption. These losses diminish household income, reduce food availability, and worsen nutritional outcomes. Semi-arid regions such as Kitui County, Kenya, face even greater risks due to climatic variability, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and the widespread use of traditional storage methods. This study sought to determine the main causes of PHL, document strategies used by smallholder farmers, and assess their perceived effectiveness. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in Kitui County, targeting 150 smallholder farmers selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using interviewer- administered questionnaires and observational checklists, then analysed with SPSS Version 23.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, summarized the findings. Results revealed pest infestation as the leading cause of 41 losses (62.7%), followed by poor storage facilities (54.7%) and inadequate drying practices (49.3%). Additional contributors included mold and rot from moisture (42.0%), delayed harvesting (38.7%), and poor transport or handling (30.7%). These findings mirror regional evidence highlighting similar structural and technical challenges. Farmers reported practicing proper drying (68.0%), sorting and grading (58.0%), and pest control (50.7%). Improved storage was less common: 43.3% used hermetic bags, while 34.0% used metal or plastic silos. Among all strategies, proper drying and silos were rated as the most effective. This aligns with broader research that underscores the importance of integrated post-harvest management for reducing cereal losses. Despite awareness of modern technologies, adoption remains low due to high costs, limited extension services, and weak rural infrastructure. Addressing these barriers will require scaling up affordable hermetic storage through subsidies or credit schemes, investing in drying infrastructure such as solar dryers and raised platforms, and strengthening farmer training on integrated PHL management. Reducing losses would not only safeguard household food stocks but also enhance food safety, improve rural incomes, and contribute to Kenya’s broader goal of resilience against food insecurity. Effective interventions in Kitui and similar semi-arid regions could provide scalable lessons for improving food systems across sub-Saharan Africa.