Determinants and barriers of adoption of hermetic bags as post-harvest management storage technology among smallholder farmers in Chikhwawa District.

Abstract

This study assessed the determinants and barriers to the adoption of hermetic bag storage technology among smallholder farmers in Chikhwawa District. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 346 randomly selected households with qualitative methods including six focus group discussions and five key informant interviews that were conducted until saturation point was reached. Quantitative data were analyzed using logistic regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to provide deeper insights into farmers' experiences and perceptions. Results revealed that 74.57% of respondents were aware of hermetic bags, primarily through extension workers (37.28%) and lead farmers (31.50%). The logistic regression model (Pseudo R² = 0.261, p < 0.001) identified age (β = 0.045, p = 0.002), gender (β = -1.305, p = 0.006), education (β = 8.018, p = 0.018), household size (β = -0.741, p < 0.001), and extension worker interaction (β = 0.777, p = 0.039) as significant determinants of adoption. Qualitative findings corroborated these results, with adopters expressing satisfaction with improved grain quality and reduced pest damage, stating that grains remained fresh for months without chemical treatments. However, non-adopters voiced concerns about high initial costs, limited availability in local markets, and insufficient knowledge about proper sealing techniques. Key informants, including agricultural extension officers, emphasized that improper usage compromised the bags' effectiveness, highlighting the need for comprehensive training programmes. Major barriers identified through both methods included high cost, scarcity, and limited knowledge on usage. Adopters reported significant benefits including grain quality preservation, reusability and reduced post-harvest losses. The study recommends strengthening extension services to enhance farmer awareness and knowledge and developing subsidies or credit schemes to improve affordability and accessibility of hermetic bags among smallholder farmers.