OVERVIEW OF POST-HARVEST TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION IN UGANDA
JULIA KIGOZI *
Department of Agricultural and Bio-Systems Engineering, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
TADEO MIBULO
Department of Agricultural and Bio-Systems Engineering, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Agriculture is the mainstay for over 70% of Uganda’s population, contributing 22.5% of the national GDP through exports and employment. However, the sector experiences a series of challenges. Besides the production challenges like drought, pests, and disease, over 40% of the overall yield at the end of the season is lost due to poor postharvest handling methods. To plan interventions that enable improve the utilization of postharvest methods, it is important to understand what is currently being done. The purpose of this paper was therefore to assess the available post-harvest handling technologies utilized in Uganda. The study also captures extension service to farmers, benefits, and challenges associated with the use of post-harvest technologies across all regions in Uganda.
Keywords: Agriculture, post-harvest technologies, Uganda