Where is the market? Assessing the role of dryer performance and marketability of solar-dried products in acceptance of solar dryers amongst smallholder farmers
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Heliyon
Abstract
Agricultural technological development is a crucial strategy for agricultural commercialization
and socio-economic transformation in Africa. However, a key challenge to technology use in
agriculture remains the limited farmer acceptance of unfamiliar technologies. This paper uses a
sample of 245 okra farmers drawn from northern Uganda to assess the drivers of the farmer
acceptance of solar drying technology. On the basis of drying performance, farmers perceive the
solar dryer to perform better than the open sun-drying method. Structural equation modelling
results show that the drying rate and perceived product quality are the main determinants of
farmer perceptions on product marketability. Further, product marketability drives acceptance of
solar dryers among farmers. We conclude that acceptance of solar dryers is dependent on: i) the
drying rate, ii) favorable perceptions towards product quality, and iii) perceived marketability of
the solar-dried product. We call for policy action on intensification of efforts that promote solar
drying technology, including supporting local artisans to fabricate dryers, to enable increased
value addition and consumption of nutritious foods.
Description
Keywords
Technology development, Solar dryer, Renewable energy, Performance, Technology acceptance, Value addition
Citation
Kumi, P. G. K., Elolu, S., Odongo, W., Okello, C., & Kalule, S. W. (2023). Where is the market? Assessing the role of dryer performance and marketability of solar-dried products in acceptance of solar dryers amongst smallholder farmers. Heliyon, 9(8). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18668