Usage of Maize Storage Technologies for Postharvest Loss Prevention in OkeOgun/Saki Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study’s objective assessed the usage of traditional and improved maize storage technologies by farmers in Saki/Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State. The study was conducted from April-July, 2019; using a validated structured questionnaire for data collection. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to draw a sample of 191 maize farmers. Grain storage technologies usage frequency was measured on a four-point Likert-type numerical scale 4-1 as regularly, occasionally, seldom, and never respectively. Descriptive analysis of collected data revealed regular usage of both raffia woven basket (98.9%) and traditional crib (96.1%) by respondents.  Sampled maize farmers overwhelmingly indicated non-usage of rhombus (98.0%) to store their produce; with a substantial number (88.2%) rarely using containers. Further analysis shows maize farmers used improved crib regularly (76.5%). Inert atmosphere silo (80.4%), conventional silo (76.5%), purdue improved crop storage (90.2%) and zerofly™ (65.4%) bags were never used to store maize by farmers. Chi-square ) analysis revealed significant (p≤0.05) associations between technology usage and socioeconomic characteristics of maize farmers. The cost and bulk storage nature of improved storage technology could be traced to its never used; while awareness is also very low on the use of those cost effective bagged technologies.This study’s objective assessed the usage of traditional and improved maize storage technologies by farmers in Saki/Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State. The study was conducted from April-July, 2019; using a validated structured questionnaire for data collection. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to draw a sample of 191 maize farmers. Grain storage technologies usage frequency was measured on a four-point Likert-type numerical scale 4-1 as regularly, occasionally, seldom, and never respectively. Descriptive analysis of collected data revealed regular usage of both raffia woven basket (98.9%) and traditional crib (96.1%) by respondents.  Sampled maize farmers overwhelmingly indicated non-usage of rhombus (98.0%) to store their produce; with a substantial number (88.2%) rarely using containers. Further analysis shows maize farmers used improved crib regularly (76.5%). Inert atmosphere silo (80.4%), conventional silo (76.5%), purdue improved crop storage (90.2%) and zerofly™ (65.4%) bags were never used to store maize by farmers. Chi-square ) analysis revealed significant (p≤0.05) associations between technology usage and socioeconomic characteristics of maize farmers. The cost and bulk storage nature of improved storage technology could be traced to its never used; while awareness is also very low on the use of those cost effective bagged technologies.