Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the quality of sesame among smallholder farmers in Agwata town coucil, Dokolo district.
| dc.contributor.author | Adero, Siddy | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-09-07T13:13:57Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-09-07T13:13:57Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-09-07 | |
| dc.description | Undergraduate research report | |
| dc.description.abstract | Sesame (simsim) is an important oilseed crop that contributes to household income, food security and livelihoods among smallholder farmers in Uganda. However, its quality is often affected by poor harvesting, transportation, drying, threshing, winnowing, packaging and storage practices. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sesame (simsim) quality among smallholder farmers in Agwata Town Council, Dokolo District, Uganda. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to determine farmers’ knowledge of practices that enhance sesame quality, assess farmers perceived effects of post-harvest practices on sesame quality, and determine farmers’ post-harvest practices for maintaining sesame quality. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected from 121 smallholder sesame farmers using structured questionnaires and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) through frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. The study used a five-point Likert scale to measure farmers’ responses. The findings found out that farmers had a moderate overall level of knowledge, with an overall mean of means of 3.77. Farmers demonstrated better performance in knowledge, understanding and application, while comparatively lower performance was observed in analysis, evaluation and creation. Farmers also had generally positive perceptions of the effects of post-harvest practices on sesame quality, with an overall mean of means of approximately 3.97. Regarding post-harvest practices, farmers demonstrated a moderate overall level of practice, with an overall mean of means of approximately 3.74. Practices such as drying on clean tarpaulins or raised platforms, gentle threshing and timely harvesting were relatively well practiced, whereas the use of hermetic storage bags and appropriate transportation methods was less consistently practiced. The study concluded that although farmers possessed considerable knowledge and recognized the importance of good post-harvest practices, gaps remained in higher-level knowledge and the consistent adoption of improved post-harvest technologies. The study recommends strengthening agricultural extension services, providing practical training and demonstrations, improving access to improved storage and transportation technologies, and encouraging farmers to consistently apply recommended post-harvest practices. These interventions can contribute to reducing post-harvest losses and improving the quality and marketability of sesame. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Mr. Ogulli Francis ; Busitema University | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Adero, S. (2026). Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the quality of sesame among smallholder farmers in Agwata town coucil, Dokolo district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/9388 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Busitema University | |
| dc.title | Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the quality of sesame among smallholder farmers in Agwata town coucil, Dokolo district. | |
| dc.type | Other |