Hermetic storage technologies (HSTs) have been disseminated in Sub-Saharan Africa (including Kenya) to reduce grain storage losses among farmers. We carried out a study in three counties in eastern Kenya to assess the use and profitability of HSTs among farmers. Data were collected from 613 farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire and Kobo Toolbox via android tablets. Results showed an increase in use of HSTs among farmers from 53.7% in 2015 to 91.2% in 2017. PICS was the most used hermetic bags by farmers (84%) in 2017. Majority of farmers (73.5%) received training in the use of HSTs from extension agents and agro-dealers. About 40% of respondents purchased additional (one to five) bags after their first experience using them. The quantity of grain produced made up about half of the farmer’s decision to store. The primary reason (87%) farmers used hermetic bags was the need to manage insect pests. Maize and beans were the most produced and most stored crops; but maize was the most stored in HST. Grain price seasonality showed a near doubling effect between the lean and harvest seasons. Estimates of the return on investments (ROI) ranged between 13 and 80% for all crops and maize stored in hermetic bags had the highest ROI. Awareness and trainings are key in increasing adoption and proper use of HSTs.

中文翻译：

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肯尼亚东部小农户对粮食储存密封技术的使用和盈利能力


密封储存技术（HST）已在撒哈拉以南非洲（包括肯尼亚）推广，以减少农民的粮食储存损失。我们在肯尼亚东部的三个县进行了一项研究，以评估农民对 HST 的使用和盈利能力。通过 Android 平板电脑使用半结构化问卷和 Kobo Toolbox 从 613 名农民收集了数据。结果显示，农民中 HST 的使用率从 2015 年的 53.7% 增加到 2017 年的 91.2%。PICS 是 2017 年农民使用最多的密封袋（84%）。大多数农民（73.5%）接受了使用 HST 的培训。来自推广代理商和农产品经销商的 HST。大约 40% 的受访者在第一次使用袋子后购买了额外的（一到五个）袋子。生产的粮食数量约占农民决定储存的一半。农民使用密封袋的主要原因（87%）是需要防治害虫。玉米和豆类是产量最多、储存最多的农作物；但 HST 中储存最多的是玉米。粮食价格季节性显示，贫瘠季节和收获季节之间的影响几乎加倍。所有农作物的投资回报率 (ROI) 估计在 13% 至 80% 之间，其中密封袋中储存的玉米投资回报率最高。意识和培训是提高 HST 采用和正确使用的关键。