The Role Of Gender In Adoption Of Postharvest Technologies Among Maize Smallholder Farmers In Tanzania: A Case Of Kilosa District

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at analyzing the role of gender in adoption of Post Harvest Technologies (PHT) among maize smallholder farmers at Kilosa District in Tanzania. Specifically, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of PHT among maize smallholder farmers; to analyze the role of gender in the work / task division among maize smallholder farmers and to analyze the gendered decision-making process towards adoption of PHT among maize smallholder farmers. The collected data were primary in nature and collected by using questionnaires and focus group discussion. The study had a sample size of 100 maize smallholder farmers from the study area. The study used Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) in coding and Statistical Analysis System (SAS) for computations. Cross sectional research design was used, whereby data were collected at once. Statistical models were applied in analyzing findings which included descriptive and Chi-square models. This study found that majority of maize smallholder farmers adopted PP bags and pesticides as a modern technology for maize storage compared to Metal Silo, PICS and Agro Z. It was revealed that the majority of maize smallholder farmers attained primary education level. Therefore majority does not understand their roles toward adoption of PHTs. The application of PHTs was limited by the decision and knowledge of farmers. The study concluded that prevalence of PHTs among maize smallholder farmers has no significance with gender and adoption of PHTs, while the role of gender in task/ work division among smallholder farmers and the gendered decision making towards the adoption of PHTs among maize smallholder farmers had the positive relationship with gender and adoption of PHTs.