Assessing the determinants of post-harvest losses of beans (phaseolus vulgaris) among smallholder farmers in Kuushu subcounty, Bududa district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
This is a research report of a study conducted in Kuushu sub-county Bududa district, during the months of March to June, 2026 to assess the determinants of post-harvest losses among smallholder bean farmers in Kuushu sub-county. The objectives were to: determine the extent of post-harvest losses among smallholder bean farmers in the sub-county; identify and analyze farm-level factors influencing post-harvest losses among smallholder bean farmers; and; analyze socio-economic determinants associated with post-harvest losses. Data were collected from 36 respondents using structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews and observation checklists. Quantitative data were analyzed for descriptive statistics while qualitative data were summarized according to study themes. The findings show that post-harvest losses for beans in Kuushu subcounty were due to the high rainfall received, delayed harvesting of beans, drying beans on poles in an open area, storage pests like bean weevils and limited access to extension services. Male respondents participated in growing of beans as compared to the female ones since most of them were unemployed. Basing on the findings, it is recommended that: small holder bean farmers of Kuushu sub-county should ensure that the beans in their gardens are harvested earlier before onset of the second rains; apply powdered red pepper and curry powder (turmeric) to prevents weevils and other storage pests from attacking the beans during storage and make simple shelters for drying beans to protect them from rains.
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Undergraduate research report
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Nanzala, K. (2026). Assessing the determinants of post-harvest losses of beans (phaseolus vulgaris) among smallholder farmers in Kuushu subcounty, Bududa district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.