Leveraging research-based knowledge translation via rural libraries to improve maize postharvest practices in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Rural community libraries are increasingly recognised for providing localised knowledge, yet their potential to support agricultural extension services and improve access to postharvest knowledge in Uganda remains underexplored.
Objectives: This study examined the postharvest information needs of smallholder maize farmers and explored how community libraries can be leveraged to translate and repackage research-based knowledge to meet these needs.
Method: A mixed-methods parallel design was employed. Data were collected from a survey of 312 maize farmers, personal interviews and two focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 extension workers and four librarians. Desk research was conducted to analyse relevant documents. Quantitative data were descriptively analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data were thematically coded and interpreted with ATLAS.ti.
Results: Farmers face critical knowledge gaps in storage, drying, value addition, credit access, pest management, marketing and insurance. Although limited in reach, rural community libraries are underutilised, yet hold potential as localised hubs for translating and repackaging research-based knowledge into farmer-relevant formats. Strengthening libraries’ roles through policy support, funding, partnerships and multi-channel dissemination could enhance knowledge access, reduce postharvest losses, increase farmer incomes and improve food security.
Conclusion: Current top-down knowledge sharing inadequately meets farmers’ needs, while rural libraries’ untapped capacities limit access to relevant agricultural knowledge.
Contribution: The study identifies community libraries as key knowledge intermediaries and proposes their integration into extension systems to promote effective knowledge translation (KT) and improvement in postharvest practice.