Some aspects of food production and food wastage in Muleba district, Kagera region: the case of non-grain food production and the utilization of post harvest technology

This study was undertaken in Kagera region to examine the food production pattern of selected food crops namely bananas, sweet-potatoes and vegetables and the corresponding post harvest technologies employed to preserve them. Secondly, the study sought to illuminate an the magnitude of the food losses experienced by the peasants and how the food losses and food shortage occurrence could be related to the non-use of post harvest technology. The author's claim in undertaking the study was that, in her experience in Kagera region which grows mainly non-grain food crops, there has not been any efforts by the government and the people themselves geared towards the preservation and storage of bananas, sweet potatoes and vegetables. Through this inadequacy, there has been damage to the above mentioned crops and the break in production caused by the absence of post harvest technologies, remain undetermined. The study was based in Bushagara village in Muleba District between March-June 1981. Among the aspects examined in this study are; (a) The socio-economic and political background history of food production in the area of study which exposes how the indigenous elite (chiefs) owned and controlled food post harvest technologies; (b) The historical phenomenal occurrence of incidental food surpluses and food shortage periods alternately; (c) The important role which post harvest technologies can play to save food surpluses from wastage and curb food shortages and (d) the possibility of introducing the relevant post harvest technologies with the help of the government and rural administrators in collaboration with various institutions in the country. The study is presented in five chapters. In the first chapters, we define the problem in all its dimensions at local, national and international levels. The problem is further discussed within the broad theory of peasant economy while specifically examining the sub-systems in food production system. In the second chapter, we present the methodology we employed in conducting the study. In the third chapter, we present in detail the historical aspects of food production and preservation. In chapter four, the findings are analysed and discussed. Finally in chapter five, we draw some tentative conclusions and recommendations.