Assessment of Farmers Knowledge on Post-Harvest Management of Beans in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed farmers’ knowledge on post-harvest management of beans in Niger State, Nigeria. A four-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eighty (180) bean farmers in the study area. A structured questionnaire, complemented by the interview scheduled, was used for data collection. Data collected were described through frequency, percentages, and mean and analyzed using knowledge tests. The result showed that all the respondents were aware of post-harvest management practices for beans. Other farmers and farm forums were the most common sources of awareness among bean farmers. About 83.3% of bean farmers had high knowledge of the use of clay pots for storing beans, while 82.2% had high knowledge of the winnowing method of grading. The most significant constraints to post-harvest management of beans were shortage of funds (X̅ =3.76) and inadequate training on post-harvest (X̅ =3.48). It is recommended that the cost of post-harvest materials and tools be subsidized by the government and stakeholders for farmers’ access at an affordable price. Also, funds should be made available by governments and non-governmental organizations so that farmers’ could purchase post-harvest tools that are needed to enhance the longevity of agricultural produce.