In the heart of Uganda, a silent crisis has been unfolding, one that has long been overlooked but holds the key to transforming the lives of rural smallholder farmers. Postharvest losses, particularly in maize—a staple crop for millions—have been a significant bottleneck to food security and rural household incomes. However, a groundbreaking study led by Jackline Estomihi Mayende Kiwelu from the Library Department at Aga Khan University in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is shedding light on a critical issue: access to scientifically researched information on maize postharvest handling.
The study, published in *Cogent Food & Agriculture* (which translates to “Thoughtful Food & Agriculture”), reveals that access to verified information among rural smallholder farmers is intermittent at best. There is no clear linkage among the actors responsible for disseminating evidence-based postharvest information. Challenges such as low digital literacy, inadequate funding, and limited availability of well-equipped information centers have exacerbated the problem.
Kiwelu’s research employed a convergent mixed-methods design, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through interviews with 22 agricultural extension officers, four information officers, and 312 rural smallholder farmers, as well as focus group discussions and analysis of relevant government documents. The findings paint a stark picture: without access to scientifically verified information, farmers are left to navigate a maze of misinformation and guesswork, leading to significant postharvest losses.
“The lack of coordinated action among stakeholders has been a major hindrance,” Kiwelu explains. “There is a clear need for a structured model that defines roles and responsibilities for each actor in the information dissemination chain.”
The model developed from this study defines roles for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Department of Extension Services, district production and information offices, and sub-county extension offices. Through coordinated action, stakeholders can work together to share professional expertise, verify information through evidence sourcing, repackaging, dissemination, and continuous feedback.
This model has the potential to inform policy and decision-making, ultimately improving rural farmers’ access to scientific postharvest information. The implications are far-reaching, not just for Uganda but for other countries facing similar challenges. By empowering farmers with the right information, we can reduce postharvest losses, enhance food security, and boost rural household incomes.
As Kiwelu puts it, “This is not just about improving access to information; it’s about transforming lives and ensuring sustainable food security.”
The study’s findings are a call to action for policymakers, agricultural extension officers, and information officers to come together and implement a coordinated approach to information dissemination. The model proposed by Kiwelu and her team offers a roadmap for achieving this goal, one that could shape the future of agricultural practices in Uganda and beyond.
In a world where information is power, ensuring that rural smallholder farmers have access to scientifically verified information is not just a necessity but a moral imperative. The research led by Jackline Estomihi Mayende Kiwelu is a significant step towards achieving this goal, offering hope for a future where postharvest losses are minimized, and food security is ensured for all.