scholarly journals Determinants of Yam Postharvest Management in the Zabzugu District of Northern Ghana

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Gershon Kodwo Ansah ◽  
Bright K. D. Tetteh
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
Postharvest Losses ◽  
Storage Losses ◽  
Human Element ◽  
Subsistence Farmer ◽  
Postharvest Management ◽  
Postharvest Loss

Postharvest loss reduction has received attention in many policy documents across nations to ensure global food security, particularly in developing countries. Many researchers have examined various options for reducing postharvest losses. We contribute our quota to this scientific discourse by using a different approach. We argue that the human element of managing postharvest loss is central and therefore poses the question of what are the characteristics of the farmer who manages postharvest losses better. We examine this question by using a cross section of yam farmers in the Zabzugu district in Northern Ghana and generate a proportional variable called postharvest management, which measures how effective a farmer works to reduce storage losses. We then use a fractional logistic regression model to examine the determinants of postharvest management. A significant result is that subsistence farmers manage postharvest losses better than commercial farmers. Characteristically, the farmer who effectively manages postharvest losses is a young, subsistence farmer, living in or close to a district capital with fewer household members, has attained formal education, and produces more yam. Efforts to reduce postharvest losses require the provision of access roads to remote towns or providing effective storage techniques and training on postharvest management practices.

scholarly journals An Investigation into Major Causes for Postharvest Losses of Horticultural Crops and Their Handling Practice in Debre Markos, North-Western Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yebirzaf Yeshiwas ◽  
Esubalew Tadele
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Postharvest Losses ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Postharvest Handling ◽  
Debre Markos ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Postharvest Loss ◽  
North Western ◽  
Western Ethiopia

In developing countries, food systems are mainly characterized by unorganized, traditional supply chains, and limited market infrastructure. Bulk quantity of the harvested produce is lost every year because of the absence of proper postharvest handling and management practices. The current study was conducted to estimate and identify the major causes for postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables in Debre Markos, north-western Ethiopia. Forty respondents who were retailing fruits and vegetables were randomly selected and qualitative and quantitative data were collected by using direct market observation and semistructured questioners. The result of the present study revealed significant differences between sociodemographic factors, handling practices, and postharvest loss. Educational status, selling experience, and packaging material have a significant relationship with postharvest loss. A significant difference was obtained among the transportation methods used, the selling place, storage methods, and materials. The result also indicated that fewer than 20 percent of respondents practiced selling fruits and vegetables in the resident mini shop. The majority of damaged produce was sold at a discount price. Retailers do not have formal knowledge of postharvest handling practices. The average postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables were estimated to be five to eighty-three percent of the market share. Mainly, during retailing, rotting, mechanical damage, poor handling, improper management of temperature and relative humidity, and hygiene problems during handling are among the major causes of postharvest losses. To reduce the high postharvest loss and supply quality products for consumers throughout the year, intervention activities such as the construction of permanent selling place for perishables, practicing various evaporative cooling technologies, outset training, awareness creation, and infrastructures should be effectively and urgently addressed.

scholarly journals Farmers’ knowledge and perception of finger millet blast disease and its control practices in western Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilton Mbinda ◽  
Agnes Kavoo ◽  
Fredah Maina ◽  
Margaret Odeph ◽  
Cecilia Mweu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finger Millet ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Blast Disease ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
Disease Occurrence

Abstract Background Finger millet blast disease, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, is a serious constrain of finger millet production which is threatening global food security especially to the resource poor smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid regions. The disease adversely affects finger millet production and consumption due to its wide distribution and destruction in all finger millet growing areas of southern Asia and eastern Africa. Here, we present a study that investigated the occurrence, impact, risk factors and farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of finger millet blast in Kenya. Methods We surveyed blast disease occurrence and interviewed farmers in Bungoma and Kisii Counties of Kenya during March–April 2019. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical program. Descriptive analysis was done by calculating means, percentages, frequencies, and standard errors. Comparative statistics, chi-square and t-tests, were used to evaluate differences existing among the farm characteristics and socio-demographics and the knowledge and perceptions of blast disease and its management practices. Results Our results show that blast disease is prevalent in all surveyed areas and adversely affects the productivity of the crop leading to poor yields. The disease occurrence varied from 92 to 98%, and was significantly higher in the major finger millet growing areas compared to the minor ones. Blast occurrence was associated with rainfall, altitude, planting density, intercropping and other farming practices. In all the surveyed regions, farmers had little knowledge about blast disease identification, its detection and spread. Further, the farmers’ awareness of blast disease control was inconsistent with established practices. Conclusions Our results show mitigation of finger millet blast disease should aim at improving farmers’ adoption of best practices through development of acceptable blast-resistant finger millet varieties, use of sustainable disease management practices, fostering linkages and creating new partnerships in the production-supply chain and maintaining a functional seed system. Findings from this study provide essential insights for effective decision making and management of the disease. This is fundamental to sustainable and secure food and income for finger millet growing farmers in Kenya.

scholarly journals Survey on maize post-harvest losses and its management practices in the western hills of Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghanashyam Bhandari ◽  
Bhuddhi Bahadur Achhami ◽  
Tika Bahadur Karki ◽  
Balram Bhandari ◽  
Gopal Bhandari
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Maize Weevil ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Storage Losses ◽  
Angoumois Grain Moth ◽  
Development Committee ◽  
Village Development Committee ◽  
Open Floor

A survey was conducted in order to assess the losses of maize under farmers’ storage conditions in the Western hills of Nepal in 2014. The survey area included Thanapati Village Development Committee (VDC) of Gulmi, Aalamdebi VDC of Syangja, Khasauli VDC of Palpa and Baglung municipality-12, Baglung district. Primary information was collected through semi-structured questionnaires among the heterogenous groups of the farming communities. Survey revealed that about 61% respondents reported the storage pest as the major pests and about 12% respondents reported that field pests as the major pests in the western hills. Maize weevil (Sitophylus zeamais Mostsch.) and Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella Oliv.) were found to be major storage insect pests in surveyed areas. Majority of respondents (39%) presumed on 10-20% losses during storage. Among the other biotic factors, farmers ranked insect (42%), weeds (32%) and diseases (17%) respectively. Maize storage methods had distinct among the surveyed areas compared with Baglung district to other surveyed areas. In Baglung, about (73%) farmers had stored maize in the form of grain whereas in Palpa, Gulmi and Syangja, about (77%) farmers had practice of storing maize with husk for 5-7 months. Approximately, 40% respondents were using open floor in upper stair “Aanti”as a major maize storage place in Palpa, Gulmi and Syangja whereas almost (79%) of respondents were using sacks to store shelled grains in Baglung. Hence, there is ample opportunity to reduce the storage losses of maize depending upon the existing situation.Journal of Maize Research and Development (2015) 1(1):98-105DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.34288

scholarly journals Effect of Washing, Waxing and Low-Temperature Storage on the Postharvest Microbiome of Apple

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdelfattah ◽  
Susan R. Whitehead ◽  
Dumitru Macarisin ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
Erik Burchard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Bacterial Diversity ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Tissue Type ◽  
Postharvest Disease ◽  
Low Temperature Storage ◽  
Postharvest Management ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Temperature Storage

There is growing recognition of the role that the microbiome plays in the health and physiology of many plant species. However, considerably less research has been conducted on the postharvest microbiome of produce and the impact that postharvest processing may have on its composition. Here, amplicon sequencing was used to study the effect of washing, waxing, and low-temperature storage at 2 °C for six months on the bacterial and fungal communities of apple calyx-end, stem-end, and peel tissues. The results of the present work reveal that tissue-type is the main factor defining fungal and bacterial diversity and community composition on apple fruit. Both postharvest treatments and low temperature storage had a strong impact on the fungal and bacterial diversity and community composition of these tissue types. Distinct spatial and temporal changes in the composition and diversity of the microbiota were observed in response to various postharvest management practices. The greatest impact was attributed to sanitation practices with major differences among unwashed, washed and washed-waxed apples. The magnitude of the differences, however, was tissue-specific, with the greatest impact occurring on peel tissues. Temporally, the largest shift occurred during the first two months of low-temperature storage, although fungi were more affected by storage time than bacteria. In general, fungi and bacteria were impacted equally by sanitation practices, especially the epiphytic microflora of peel tissues. This research provides a foundation for understanding the impact of postharvest management practices on the microbiome of apple and its potential subsequent effects on postharvest disease management and food safety.

scholarly journals Effective Vaccine Management: The Case of a Rural District in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Osei ◽  
Mohammed Ibrahim ◽  
Gregory Kofi Amenuvegbe
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Control ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
World Health ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Vaccine Distribution

Background. The Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) initiative provides the platform needed to monitor and assess the vaccine supply chain system to identify strengths and weaknesses of the system at all levels to enhance the development of improvement plan to strengthen the system. This valuation was carried out in the Tolon District of the Northern Region, Ghana. Methods. A descriptive valuation of vaccine management was carried out in six vaccine stores in the Tolon District of Northern Ghana. We employed World Health Organization (WHO) assessment tools and procedures which consisted of desk reviews and interviews of cold chain managers to assess vaccine management practices in the district. Five out of the nine global assessment criteria were assessed and a minimum target level required for all criteria to meet the WHO standard was 80%. Results. None of the facilities assessed met the WHO benchmark of 80% for all but one criteria assessed. With regards to temperature control, the scores ranged from 42% at Kasuliyili CHPS Centre to 77% at the district store with an average district score of 60%. Stock management ranged between 11% at Wantugu Health Centre and 75% at Nyankpala Health Centre with district average score of 32%. Effective vaccine distribution scores ranged between 13% at Kasuliyili CHPS and 46% at Nyankpala Health Centre with an average district score of 27%. Only Nyankpala Health Centre had an acceptable score of 84% for vaccine management, whereas the lowest score for this indicator was 5% at Tolon Health Centre store with district average score of 53%. Information management and supportive functions scores ranged from 0% at Tolon Health Centre to 26% at the district store with the district average score of 16%. Nineteen (90.5%) of vaccine users had poor knowledge regarding temperature control and vaccine distribution. Conclusion. Effective vaccine management knowledge and practices are poor at Tonlon district and calls for urgent and pragmatic approaches such as training and re-training of vaccine users at all levels.

scholarly journals Organisational ineffectiveness: environmental shifts and the transition to crisis

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Fischbacher-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Crisis Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Organisational Effectiveness ◽  
Human Element ◽  
Crisis Events ◽  
Ordered State

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion of effectiveness in the context of organisational crisis. It considers the “darker” side of organisational effectiveness by exploring the processes by which effectiveness can be eroded as an organisation moves from an ordered state, through a complex one, and into a state of chaos, or crisis. It brings together complementary literatures on risk, crisis management, and complexity, and uses those lenses to frame some of the key processes that allow organisations to transition to a state that shapes their inabilities to remain effective. Design/methodology/approach – The paper sets out a theoretical framework for the analysis of a crisis event and does so in a way that emphasises the role of the human element in the various stages of a crisis: the incubation phase, the operational crisis, and the post-event legitimation phase. The paper uses the emerging crisis around the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to illustrate some of the task demands associated with a crisis and the manner in which crisis events challenge the efficiencies and capabilities of organisations to deal with complex, multi-layered issues in which uncertainty is high. Given the emergent nature of that particular crisis, the use of the case is purely illustrative rather than analytically grounded in a normal case study approach. Findings – The paper highlights a number of underlying elements that contribute to the generation of crises and offers recommendations for managers on how to deal with those demands. The paper shows how an organisation can move from an ordered state into a complex or chaotic one and highlights some of the problems that arise when an organisation does not have the capabilities to respond to the task demands generated by such a shift in the environment. Practical implications – The paper challenges some of the normal practices of management in a “steady state” environment and highlights the need to consider the organisational capabilities that are necessary to deal with the transition from a stable to an unstable system state and ensure organisational effectiveness in the process. A core message within the paper is that the “normal” processes of management can contribute to the generation of crises as organisations prioritise short-term efficiencies over the strategies for longer-term effectiveness. The implications for crisis management practices are discussed. Social implications – The paper considers an issue that has wider applicability within society namely the relationships between organisational effectiveness and risk. The issues raised in the paper have applicability in a range of other societal settings. Originality/value – The key output from the paper is the development of a theoretical framework that allows for an analysis of the relationships between crises and organisational effectiveness. The paper argues that effectiveness and crisis management are intrinsically linked and that crises occur when organisational effectiveness is impaired. The paper highlights the role that template-based approaches to dealing with complex problems can have in terms of the generation of crisis events.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Income and Postharvest Losses of Yam in Southern Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State

2020 ◽  
pp. 28-37
Author(s):  
Daniel Akaakohol Iorzua ◽  
Agnes Agbanugo Ikwuba ◽  
James Timbee Aan ◽  
Solomon Chimela Nwafor
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
P Value ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Postharvest Losses ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

The study evaluated the income and postharvest losses of yam in Nasarawa State Nigeria from 2014 to 2018. The study employed the use of cross sectional design. The study was conducted in Nasarawa state, Nigeria between October 2019 and June 2020. Data for the study were collected using multistage sampling technique from a sample of three hundred and eighty seven (387) respondents. The result showed that majority of the respondents (322) 83%, were male, and within the age range of 31-40 years 158(41%) followed by the age bracket of 41-50: 97(25%); 323(84%) of the respondents were married with average household size of 8.0 persons per household while 87% of the respondents have had one form of formal education or the other. The spearman correlation matrix showing the relationship between the income and post-harvest losses of the farmers further revealed that there is a significant relationship between income and postharvest losses of yam farmers in the studied area. Coefficient of determination (R square) value was 0.922 with a P value of 0.00. The result reveals a significant and strong positive correlation betweenthe income and post-harvest losses of the farmers. The study thus concluded that most of the respondents were high income earners but suffer post-harvest losses throughout yam production chain in various measures. The extent of losses differs from farmer to farmer but does not differ in the communities sampled in the study area.

scholarly journals Postharvest Management Practices of Grains in the Eastern Region of Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia W. Njoroge ◽  
Ibrahim Baoua ◽  
Dieudonne Baributsa
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Stored Grain ◽  
Primary Methods ◽  
Postharvest Management ◽  
Seed Crops ◽  
Storage Technologies ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Made In

Cereals and legumes play a major role in the production systems and diets of farmers in the semi-arid eastern region of Kenya. Efficient postharvest management can tremendously contribute to food security in these regions. A study was carried out in three counties in eastern Kenya to assess pre and postharvest management practices among farmers. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires designed and administered using Kobo Toolbox via android tablets. Results showed that farmers cultivated three main crops: maize (98%), beans 66%), and pigeon peas (28%). The most saved seed crops were beans (80%) and pigeon peas (50%). Majority of the farmers (80%) experienced pre-drying losses due to insects (48%), rodents (40%) and birds (39%). Farmers stored grain for consumption (80%) and for sale (19%). About 48% of farmers stored the grain for more than 9 months. Challenges during grain storage were insects (57%) and rodents (43%). Primary methods of grain preservation included hermetic methods (61%) followed by insecticides (33%). While progress is being made in addressing storage challenges, there still a need to continue building awareness about improved storage technologies and find solutions for pest infestations in the field and drying after harvest.

scholarly journals Physicochemical Changes of Apple (Malus domestica) Fruit Cultivars as Influenced by Maturity Stages and Postharvest Management Practices

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadesse Teferra ◽  
Abadi Mezgebe ◽  
Eden Lencha
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Sweet Taste ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Maturity Stage ◽  
Total Soluble Solids ◽  
Physicochemical Changes ◽  
Apple Cultivars ◽  
Postharvest Management

This research was conducted to understand changes of physicochemical properties of fruits of three apple cultivars as influenced by stage of maturity and packaging types over storage period of three weeks. The research was designed to replicate practices by the producers and along the value chains and to assess the fruit quality under the conditions of the major markets in the region. All the measured physicochemical parameters significantly varied with the cultivars, maturity stage at harvest and packaging types. Higher firmness was recorded for the samples harvested about two weeks before the optimal maturity, usually practiced by significant number of producers to gain market advantage. Lower total soluble solids corresponded to the early harvested samples regardless of cultivars and packaging types. The firmness was observed decreasing over the storage periods whereas the total soluble solids increased, which is associated to improving sensorial quality for the early harvested cultivars as the soluble solids are mainly sugars. The early harvesting resulted in fruits of inferior desirability including extreme hardness, firmness and low total soluble solids that may have high sourness and less sweet taste. Awareness creation for the producers on the quality and advantages of harvesting their produces at optimal maturity and practicing good postharvest management is required.

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