Title: Implementation of improved postharvest technologies in Nigeria: navigating issues and challenges

Authors: Rachael Aderonke Ayo-Lawal; Elizabeth Adeteju Omimakinde; Michael Oluwaseun Olomu

Addresses: Science Policy and Innovation Studies Department, National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Nigeria ' Science Policy and Innovation Studies Department, National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Nigeria ' Technology Management Education and Training Department, National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Nigeria

Abstract: Post-harvest losses contribute significantly to global food insecurity. Although, stakeholders claimed to make new or improved post-harvest technologies (NIPT) available; awareness, adoption and/or adaptation are crucial to stemming the tide of food losses. Using a cross-sectional research design, and a structured questionnaire, we examine the adoption and adaptation of NIPT among 1,714 smallholder farmers and agro-processors spread across Nigeria. Findings show varying levels across NIPT categories, with highly adopted crop processing and storage technologies, while awareness and use of cooling systems are abysmally low. Ventilated plastic crates are scarcely adopted (5.2%). The results further suggest the prevalence of sun drying as improved crop dryers are sparsely known (11.5%) and used (7%). High costs, inaccessibility, and maintenance constitute major barriers to the adoption of NIPT. Respondents modify technologies due to cost constraints. The study underscores the significance of simple, indigenous, low-cost, durable postharvest technologies as a panacea for increased adoption.

Keywords: postharvest losses; improved postharvest technologies; adoption; adaptation; Nigeria.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2026.153984

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2026 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.219 - 240

Received: 14 Mar 2024
Accepted: 20 Dec 2024
Published online: 09 Jun 2026 *

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