Constraints and opportunities for increasing the adoption of technologies for reducing postharvest maize losses in Sub-Saharan Africa : a case study of Zambia

The annual global food wastage of 1.3 billion tons valued at US$ 2.6 trillion impedes food security and precipitates climate change. There is a need to increase food production to feed the estimated 9.1 billion people by 2050. Grain losses in sub-Saharan Africa are about 50% with an estimated value of US$ 4 billion. Reducing food wastage is one approach to increase food availability. The inadequacy of information on postharvest losses makes Zambia suitable for such a study. Despite the availability of technologies for reducing postharvest losses, their adoption remains low among smallholder farmers in Zambia. The study used the interpretive paradigm to investigate and explain the factors responsible for the low technology adoption by farmers. Empirical data was collected using the case study strategy. The study adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework. Data collected from 100 respondents was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists and the Grounded Theory approach. The study findings are presented as factors responsible for the low adoption of technologies for reducing postharvest maize losses by farmers in Zambia. These factors include lack of information and knowledge of the available technologies and associated benefits, perceived cost, non-availability and challenges of operating the technologies. With support from literature the study findings have been used in developing the CAD and Cooperative Postharvest Management Models for increasing technology adoption. In terms of contribution to knowledge and practice the study played a role in developing the Food Loss and Waste Accounting and Reporting Standard. Furthermore, it strengthened the food and income security of farmers and grain traders in the region through capacity building. Additionally, it helped to increase the number of farmers using the hermetic storage technology. The study also enriched the database on the prevalence of the larger grain borer in Zambia