Storage Practices, Transport Practices and Post-Harvest Management of Grain Projects in Western Uganda.
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Date
2025-11-03
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Makerere University Business School
Abstract
Driven by the pressing challenge of high post-harvest losses affecting grain quality, market access, and farmer income, many grain projects in Western Uganda continue to face significant losses due to infrastructural limitations and management inefficiencies. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between storage practices, transport practices and post-harvest management of grain projects in Western Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach was adopted for this investigation. The target population included 60 grain projects across four districts in Western Uganda including: Kabarole, Kasese, Mbarara, and Hoima, with a sample size of 55 projects selected using simple random sampling. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire, issued to farmers, traders, and transporters, and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Correlation analysis revealed strong and statistically significant relationships between storage practices, transport practices and post-harvest management of grain projects variables. Specifically, storage practices showed a correlation coefficient of r = .736, while transport practices exhibited an even stronger correlation at r = .788. Regression analysis confirmed these results, with storage practices (β = .333, p < .001) and transport practices (β = .513, p < .001) both emerging as significant predictors of post-harvest management. The combined model yielded an R Square of 0.643, indicating that 64.3% of the variation in post-harvest management outcomes could be explained by the two variables together. Based on the findings, the study recommends increasing investment in affordable and scalable storage technologies like hermetic bags and silos, coupled with initiatives to optimize rural transport infrastructure. Further, targeted training and digital supply chain tools should be introduced to improve coordination and reduce delays in grain movement. These measures will be critical in helping grain projects reduce losses, improve quality, and increase profitability for famers in western Uganda.
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This is a master's thesis.
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Kajumba, B. (2025) Storage Practices, Transport Practices and Post-Harvest Management of Grain Projects in Western Uganda.(unpublished master's dissertation). Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda.