Maize Storage Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Manyara, Tanzania

Abstract

Maize is among main food crops produced in most regions in Tanzania, including Manyara region. This study was conducted to determine and documentthe adoption different maize storage technologies in Manyara region Tanzania. The data were collected randomly from 60 smallholder farmers from Sabilo, Seloto and Long villages .The survey design was used because it enable the researcher to collect data at a single point in time. The study adopted stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniqueswhere smallholder farmers were randomly selected for the study.Data were analyzed  using Statistical Pack-age for Social Science(SPSS) computer programme In the study descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, percentages and graphs were used to analyze the objectives. The study identified different maize storage technologies like bags, traditional cribs, cribs with chemicals, in-house storage, bags with chemicals and new improved imported technologies such as Super Grain bags were used by smallholder farmers. However it was revealed that farmers were using storage technologies, but they were still experiencing pest attacks which resultedinto quality and weight loss. To address the problem, the study calls for small holder farmers to continue using the bags with chemicals and in house storage when storing maize. Also, extension education on maize storage should be emphasized more to farmers so as to reduce maize losses, especially, during storage.