Examining the Effect of Post-Harvest Loses on Small Scale Farmers Livelihoods and Food Security: A Case Study of Small-Scale Farmers in Mulobezi District

This study was carried out to examine strategies for mitigating post-harvest losses with a focus on global, African, and Zambian perspectives. Post-harvest losses have continued to pose a major challenge to food security and farmer incomes, with global estimates showing that about 30% of food is lost before reaching consumers, while in Africa losses reach up to 40% for cereals and perishable crops. In Zambia, studies have shown that up to 30% of maize and over 40% of fruits and vegetables are lost mainly due to poor storage, weak market systems, and lack of access to preservation technologies. The objectives of the study were to establish the current practices being used to manage post-harvest losses, to examine the effectiveness of mitigation strategies such as storage, processing, and training, and to identify challenges and limitations in reducing these losses. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, using both questionnaires and interviews to collect data from farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural officers. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to capture both numerical patterns and detailed experiences. The findings revealed that 55% of farmers relied on traditional storage methods, 30% had adopted hermetic bags, while only 15% accessed improved community storage facilities. About 40% of respondents reported involvement in value addition such as drying or processing, while 60% highlighted lack of financial resources as the main barrier. Improved storage technologies, agro-processing, training, and market linkages are key to reducing post-harvest losses. The results are expected to inform policymakers, NGOs, and farmer groups on practical interventions to improve food security and incomes in this country.