Busoga Farmers Face Alarming Post-Harvest Grain Losses, Experts Warn of Food Security Risks

Farmers in the Busoga Sub-region are bearing the brunt of substantial grain losses, with figures indicating that up to 40 percent of harvests are lost before reaching the market. This wastage, attributed to poor practices from planting through to storage, results in millions of shillings in lost income for farmers and raises serious concerns about aflatoxin contamination, which poses health risks to consumers, including liver cancer.

Experts from the Uganda Grain Council and the Re-Gain Project highlight that these losses undermine food security and reduce Uganda’s competitiveness in regional grain markets. Aflatoxin, a toxic substance produced by mould that thrives in improperly dried and stored grain, has become a widespread issue in Busoga, contributing to the sub-region having some of the poorest quality grain nationally.

Losses occur at multiple stages: poor seed selection at planting, damage during harvesting and transportation, and inadequate drying and storage conditions that encourage mould and pest infestation. Many farmers continue to dry grain on bare ground and store it in poorly ventilated facilities, creating ideal environments for spoilage.

The Re-Gain Project, funded by AGRA and the Green Climate Fund, is actively working with over 76,000 smallholder farmers in Busoga to introduce improved post-harvest technologies. These include tarpaulins, airtight storage bags, and moisture testers, aiming to reduce losses to below 10 percent and boost farmer incomes.

Beyond handling, the quality of seeds is also crucial. Certified, improved seed varieties can significantly increase yields and grain quality, offering better resistance to pests and diseases. However, many farmers still opt for recycled seeds, diminishing productivity and quality. Experts urge the government to strengthen agricultural extension services, enforce quality regulations, and ensure access to affordable financing and improved storage facilities.

Addressing these post-harvest challenges is critical to prevent worsening food insecurity and malnutrition and to capitalize on Uganda’s potential as a regional food supplier. The collective efforts of farmers, government, and the private sector are essential to improve the entire agricultural value chain.