Busoga Farmers Lose Up to 40% of Grain Harvest Due to Poor Handling

Farmers in Uganda’s Busoga Sub-region are facing substantial losses, with up to 40 percent of their grain harvests being lost due to a combination of poor farming techniques, inadequate handling, and substandard storage methods. This translates to millions of shillings in lost income for the farmers and poses health risks to consumers due to potential aflatoxin contamination.

Experts highlight that these losses occur throughout the entire agricultural value chain, from planting to market. Humphrey Mutasa, chief technical advisor at the Uganda Grain Council, stated that the sub-region suffers from widespread aflatoxin contamination, making its grain quality among the poorest in the country. Aflatoxin, a dangerous mold byproduct, grows on improperly dried and stored grains and is linked to serious health issues, including liver cancer.

“Farmers are losing food at every stage,” Mutasa explained, noting that losses happen during harvesting, transportation, drying, and storage. On average, farmers only manage to recover about 60 percent of their produce. This is often attributed to a lack of proper farmer training, weak enforcement of quality standards, and disorganized market structures.

Common issues include drying grain on bare ground, using inappropriate transport containers, and storing produce in poorly ventilated facilities, all of which encourage mold and pest infestations. The Uganda Grain Council is advocating for better drying and storage technologies and encouraging farmers to organize into groups to improve market access. They emphasize that a strong regional market exists for quality Ugandan grain, but meeting international standards is crucial.

The Re-Gain Project, in partnership with AGRA and the Green Climate Fund, is actively working with over 76,000 smallholder farmers in Busoga to introduce improved post-harvest technologies like tarpaulins, airtight storage bags, and moisture testers. These interventions aim to reduce losses significantly, potentially below 10 percent, directly boosting farmer incomes and improving food security.

Seed quality is also a critical factor. Winnie Daisy of Equator Seeds noted that farmers using certified, improved seed varieties can achieve higher yields and better grain quality, often with increased resistance to pests and diseases. However, many farmers continue to reuse saved seed, compromising productivity. The government is urged to support agricultural inputs and establish community aggregation centers with proper drying and storage facilities.

Reducing these post-harvest losses is seen as vital for strengthening Uganda’s food security, enhancing farmer livelihoods, and improving the nation’s competitiveness in regional and international grain markets. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders in the agricultural sector.