Factors influencing indigenous community practices in curbing postharvest losses: A study of Kipsaraman Division, Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

"Hunger, malnutrition, and poverty remain stubbornly persistent in sub-Sahara Africa especially among poor rural households where postharvest losses are observed, thus increasing levels of hunger and poverty. In this context, postharvest management is practiced using technologies that are on different levels of development continuum. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors influencing postharvest and agro-Processing indigenous knowledge (PHAP-IK) practices in curbing losses in Kipsaraman Division of Baringo County, Kenya,The study noted a strong positive association between age of the respondents and attitude towards PHAP-IK {χ2 (8, 314) = 54.48, p<.001, r (312) = 0.40, p<.01} while level of education and PHAP-IK was negatively correlated {χ2 (8, 314) = 86.39, p<.001, r (312) = 0.47, p<.01}. Considering the prevailing food insecurity in the region, PHAP-IK should be considered alongside other strategies to help curb the food losses and hence contribute to improved food and nutrition security in the region. The study also recommends inclusion of indigenous knowledge in school curricula and its documentation to foster sustainability."