Exploring climate change adaptation strategies in maize (Zea mays) postharvest management practices among smallholder farmers

Abstract

Climate change has negative effects on postharvest management of cereals. However, much emphasis is placed on climate change adaptation (CCA) in crop production whilst not adequately addressing the CCA in postharvest management of maize. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among smallholder farmers. Key informant interviews, observations and structured interviews on 280 household heads were done. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse determinants of use of postharvest CCA practices whilst multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse determinants of use of postharvest storage facilities. Farmers used grain protectants (40.4%) and minimised the duration of the harvesting process (34.3%) as their major CCA practices in maize postharvest management. There was a significant difference in postharvest maize loss quantities (p 0.05) between users and non-users of CCA practices. The choice and use of climate-resilient postharvest strategies were significantly influenced by location, cultivated land, access to radio and membership to farmer club. Choice of a postharvest storage facility was significantly influenced by training and membership to farmers' club. Smallholder farmers are using some conventional maize postharvest management practices like grain protectants to adapt to the effects of climate change. The use of maize postharvest CCA strategies significantly reduced postharvest losses.