An investigation in the factors related to bean storage practices among women in Bokoli location of Bungona districts

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to investigate factors that are related to beans storage practices at the household level among farmers in Bokoli Location of Bungoma District.

It was hypothesized that factors such as women's education, household size, household resources, occupation and training in food storage were related to beans storage practices.

Data were collected through focus groups discussions and responses to an interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used for data analysis. Results showed that the sample was characterized by women with low levels of education and the majority were fulltime farmers.

Findings of the study revealed that there was minimal relationship between education, household resources, household sizes, and occupation with beans storage practices. Results indicated that training in food storage has been received by a minority of the sample women. The main storage containers for beans are sacks although baskets are also used. The majority of the women added insecticides to beans during storage. The study recommends that extension personnel who deal with farmers on a one to one basis should include information on beans storage in their routine work. This study implies an urgent need for training that focuses on beans storage practices among women through extension personnel.