Future of Food: Journal on Food

Adoption and effectiveness of hermetic storage bags to reduce staple food postharvest loss in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of Ghana

SHINE FRANCIS GBEDEMAH
LUniversity of Environment and Sustainable Development
Ann Afua Harrison-Afful
LWisconsin International University College, Ghana
Louis Kusi Frimpong

Postharvest loss is a major problem facing agricultural households in the global south. It is in this context that the introduction of hermetic storage bags is viewed by many as a key solution to averting postharvest loss, especially for grains. While there have been policy efforts to increase the availability of hermetic storage bags for farmers, little is known regarding the extent of its adoption and effectiveness in reducing grain loss. This study fills this empirical vacuum by examining the extent of the adoption of hermetic storage bags and their effectiveness in reducing grain loss. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining data from a cross-sectional survey, in-depth interviews, and field observations. The result shows that the majority of respondents have moved away from chemical and traditional grain storage methods, and are using hermetic storage bags. The result also shows that the hermetic storage bags were effective in improving seed viability, reducing moisture level, reducing grain loss, and reducing grain damage. The authors recommend periodic training and sensitization activities for farmers to improve awareness and ultimately adoption

Keywords :

Myanmar High School Students’ Perceptions of College and International Readiness in Western Society

Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
Mark Speckien
Louisiana Tech University
International students are more likely to experience mental health issues and increased stress. Mental health is often surrounded by negative societal stigmas that act as barriers to seeking support and tend to lead to greater mental health concerns. International students tend to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers rather than seeking out counseling services. However, this study shows that LGBTQIA+ international students were less likely to seek socioemotional support from other international student peers due to fear of their sexual orientation being discovered and their families finding out about their identity. This study examines how LGBTQIA+ international students talk about their experiences on and off campus in relations to their socioemotional well-being. Specifically, this study sought to better understand the complexities of LGBTQIA+ students’ identities, and the challenges they faced in terms of their socioemotional well-being. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Keywords : international students, socioemotional well-being, mental health, identity development, intersectionality, LGBTQIA