Effects of Agricultural Hermetic Technology Adoption on Household Income in Kapinjipanga Chiefdom of Solwezi District, Zambia

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Date

2025

Author

Collent Ng'andu, Dr Kelvin Chibomba

Publisher

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation

Abstract

This study investigated the adoption of agricultural hermetic storage technology by smallholder farmers in Kapinjipanga Chiefdom in the Solwezi District of Zambia and its effects on household income, food security, and community involvement. Hermetic storage technology is key to overcoming post-harvest losses, one of the big challenges to improving productivity in agriculture and ensuring food security in developing economies. The study investigates how the adoption of hermetic bags affects post-harvest losses and income levels and further analyzes their impact on the food security of smallholder farmers. Data collection was done using questionnaires among 150 smallholder farmers on the adoption of the hermetic bags, access, training related to the technology, and impact/effects on post-harvest losses and increase in household income. Quantitative and qualitative analysis methods are/were employed to present results compared to the existing literature. The results showed an adoption rate of 70%, and farmers have used the hermetic bags for 2.5 years. Key adoption factors included accessibility, as cited by 53% of the respondents, and training attendance by 60%. The post harvest losses decreased by 47%, while 37% of the participants reported increased yearly income by about ZMW 1,200. Besides, 53% of the respondents reported improved food security, while 43% reported an increase in community involvement. The study highlights the significant positive effects of hermetic storage adoption on the productivity and income of smallholder farmers. Although there are/were still numerous challenges, particularly in terms of accessibility of resources and education on technology usage, the results indicated that continued support in training programs and increased accessibility would be required for the sustaining of the full benefits of this technology. These findings offered insights into how hermetic storage technology could enhance the socioeconomic status of smallholder farmers in the Kapinjipanga Chiefdom to improve food security and community development in the long run. Future studies should examine how training programs can be improved to increase farmers' confidence and ensure the technology’s long-term success. This includes evaluating the role of local experts, farmers' engagement, and hands-on learning opportunities in enhancing the adoption process.

Keywords

zambiacommunity engagementfood securityhousehold incometechnology adoptionsmallholder farmershermetic storage of agricultural producepost-harvest losseskapinjipanga chiefdom