The maize (Zea mays L.) post-production practices of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe: findings from surveys
1995
Mvumi, B.M. (Institute of Agricultural Engineering, P.O. BW 330 Borrowdale Harare Zimbabwe) | Giga, D.P. (University of Zimbabwe, Harare (Zimbabwe). Dept. of Crop Science) | Chiuswa, D.V. (University of Zimbabwe, Harare (Zimbabwe). Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering)
Two diagnostic surveys conducted between 1990 and 1992 to evaluate the maize post-production practises of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe showed that upto four months elapse after physiological maturity of maize and before the crop is shelled and treated, during which the farmers estimate that 9.1 +/-1.1 per cent of potential yied (obtained yield plus loss) is lost through attack by pest. Of the stored maize, 8.0+/-1.5 per cent is lost mainly due to storage insect pest and rodents, and the cumulative post production loss was estimated to be 10.4 +/-1.1 per cent of the potential yield. The traditional storage structure was found technically suitable for grain storage, although maintenance and general management of the store were inadequate. While the majority of farmers use chemicals to protect stored maize, the survey revealed that farmer have problems in selecting the appropriate chemical and applying the recommended dosage using the right techniques. Availability of the recommended insecticides in communal areas is a constraint. This may force some farmers to use wrong or less effective chemicals, under-apply the available chemical or to abandon use of chemical protectors altogether. The use of natural substances for grain protection is still widespread even though their efficacies are unknown.
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