| dc.description.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 intervieweradministered
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
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. | en_US |
