Effect of Training on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on the Use of Hermetic Storage Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania

Abstract

Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of farmers in post-harvest management (PHM) are essential for reducing food waste. However, their enhancement also depends on the training programs. Previous studies on the linkage between training programs and farmers’ KAP have been conducted with less emphasis on hermetic storage technology (HST) for PHM. This study aimed to assess the effect of training on KAP and, hence, the adoption of HSTs among smallholder farmers. The underlying theory of change of the study assumes that awareness and access to post-harvest technologies have effects on adoption rates, hence improving food security and income. A quasi-experimental matched-pair cluster randomization design was used to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between an independent and dependent variable. Maize farmer groups totalling 637 farmers were randomly selected and followed the experimental design of the “Evidence-based Scaling of Improved On-Farm Storage among Smallholders in Tanzania” intervention from Kilosa and Kondoa districts of Tanzania, whereas the treatment group farmers received training and free five hermetic storage bags each, while the control group farmers did not. However, this study documented the demographic profiles of farmers in association with KAP on HST using a pre-designed structured questionnaire and used ordinary least squares regression to explore this relationship. We find evidence consistent with a positive and significant relationship between training, KAP, and adoption. The results suggest that the KAP score and adoption were high for farmers who received training as an intervention for PHM using hermetic bags. Overall, the results are consistent with the theory that there is an effect between training and KAP and, thus, the adoption of HST. The study recommends placing emphasis on farmer’s training programs regarding PHM, thus increasing their knowledge, attitude, and practices, and hence their adoption, to enhance food loss control.