Evidence-based information practice framework for maize postharvest handling by rural smallholder farmers in selected districts in Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the influence of evidence-based information practice (EBIP) on the access to and use of evidence-based or scientific research information for improved maize postharvest handling practices by rural smallholder farmers in selected districts in Uganda. This study used a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, with data collected from 320 rural smallholder maize farmers, 22 extension workers, and four information officers. The researcher employed thematic data analysis for the qualitative data using ATLAS.ti version 24. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) with Pearson’s chi-square tests used for relational inferences. SPSS version 29 was used for these analyses. The findings revealed that EBIP largely influenced smallholder farmers’ access to and use of evidence-based information, although this was not fully articulated and implemented. Rural smallholder farmers had intermittent access to and use of evidence-based information. The main barriers to the implementation of EBIP included inadequate funding, unawareness of sources of evidence-based information, limited knowledge and skills in information and communication technologies and lack of scientifically researched information that was translated and repackaged into simple formats for easy access and use by farmers. This study identified a significant relationship between access to evidence-based information and the quantity of maize preserved after harvest. The findings also highlighted the need for convenient and adequate sources of evidence-based information for maize postharvest handling, updated knowledge and skills for extension workers and information officers, and a harmonised approach to maize postharvest handling EBIP implementation. This study proposed a model based on these findings to address the difficulties affecting the implementation of EBIP for effective maize postharvest handling decisions and practices among rural smallholder farmers in Uganda. This model can be adopted by stakeholders such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the Department of Extension Services. Overall, the findings emphasised the importance of EBIP in improving maize postharvest handling practices and reducing postharvest loss among rural smallholder farmers in Uganda. Furthermore, this study highlighted how EBIP can empower librarians in Uganda to collaborate with other stakeholders in translating evidence-based information stored in scientific databases to meet specific community information needs.