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Exploring Farmers’ Knowledge and Approaches for Reducing Post-Harvest Physiological Deterioration of Cassava Roots in Malawi

Author

Listed:
  • Kennedy Masamba

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba P.O. Box 280, Malawi
    Department of Agricultural Research Services, Lilongwe P.O. Box 30997, Malawi)

  • Wisdom Changadeya

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba P.O. Box 280, Malawi)

  • Pheneas Ntawuruhunga

    (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)-Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 310142, Zambia)

  • Pilirani Pankomera

    (Department of Agricultural Research Services, Lilongwe P.O. Box 30997, Malawi)

  • Willard Mbewe

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi)

  • Felistus Chipungu

    (International Potato Center (CIP)-Malawi, Lilongwe P.O. Box 31600, Malawi)

Abstract

Cassava utilisation in Malawi is negatively affected by rapid deterioration of fresh roots, primarily caused by postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD). A study was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge and approaches used to minimize losses from PPD. Multi-stage sampling was used to identify districts, Extension Planning Areas (EPA’s) and farmers. Data were collected from 519 farmers using a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that PPD (74.0%) was the major post-harvest constraint followed by pests and diseases (62.1%). Farmers had varying knowledge levels on signs and causes of PPD. They were knowledgeable on PPD signs with 91.5% ably identifying PPD through change of pulp colour. The farmers also had moderate knowledge on causes of PPD, citing high temperature (57.6%) and over-staying of roots (56.2%) as main causes of PPD. Key methods for preventing PPD are: storage (43.0%) and piece-meal harvesting (40.4%). Only 2.6% of the farmers exploited varietal difference in dealing with PPD as some varieties (Sauti, Mpuma, Ching’amba, and Kalasa) take three to five days before showing PPD signs. Farmers’ knowledge levels and PPD preventive methods could be strengthened through: provision of training on post-harvest handling, improvement in storage and processing technologies; and application of advanced breeding techniques to exploit genetic variation in cassava germplasm.

Suggested Citation

  • Kennedy Masamba & Wisdom Changadeya & Pheneas Ntawuruhunga & Pilirani Pankomera & Willard Mbewe & Felistus Chipungu, 2022. "Exploring Farmers’ Knowledge and Approaches for Reducing Post-Harvest Physiological Deterioration of Cassava Roots in Malawi," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:5:p:2719-:d:758924
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kanyamuka, Joseph S. & Dzanja, Joseph K. & Nankhuni, Flora J., 2018. "Analysis of the Value Chains for Root and Tuber Crops in Malawi: The Case of Cassava," Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research Briefs 275675, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security (FSP).
    2. Emmanuel Oladeji Alamu & Pheneas Ntawuruhunga & Terence Chibwe & Ivor Mukuka & Martin Chiona, 2019. "Evaluation of cassava processing and utilization at household level in Zambia," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 11(1), pages 141-150, February.
    3. Kanyamuka, Joseph S. & Nankhuni, Flora J. & Dzanja, Joseph K., 2018. "Analysis of the Value Chains for Root and Tuber Crops in Malawi: The Case of Sweet Potatoes," Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research Briefs 279871, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security (FSP).
    4. Athanase Nduwumuremyi & Rob Melis & Paul Shanahan & Theodore Asiimwe, 2016. "Participatory appraisal of preferred traits, production constraints and postharvest challenges for cassava farmers in Rwanda," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 8(2), pages 375-388, April.
    5. Joseph S. Kanyamuka & Joseph K. Dzanja & Flora J. Nankhuni, 2018. "Analysis of the Value Chains for Root and Tuber Crops in Malawi: The Case of Cassava," Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research Briefs 303569, Michigan State University, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security (FSP).
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