FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PARTICIPATION OF POSTHARVEST INNOVATION PRACTICES AMONG TOMATO FARMERS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA.
Abstract
Tomato production enterprises in Nigeria are characterized by low output, increasing wastage, inadequate storage facilities, price fluctuations, and a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding innovative practices. This study investigated the factors influencing the participation of postharvest innovation practices among tomato farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the various postharvest innovation practices employed by tomato farmers, determine the socio-demographic and technological factors that influence farmers' participation in the practices, and assess the extent of their
participation in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was employed for the study. Primary data were collected from a sample total of 174 respondents using structured questionnaires Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, minimum, and maximum) and inferential statistics, specifically Heckman's two-stage probit model. The study revealed that the average age of farmers in tomato production was 46 years, with an average of 19 years of farming experience and an average household size of 7 members. The postharvest innovation practices identified among the farmers included grading and sorting (58.62%), processing into sundried products (11.49%), storage facilities (6.32%), and packaging materials (23.56%). The Heckman selection model identified education (p = 0.0003), distance to market (p= 0.0458) off-farm income (p = 0.0277), and training (p = 0.0014) as statistically significant factors influencing farmers' participation in postharvest innovation practices at the 1% and 5% levels. The study concludes that participation in postharvest innovation practices among tomato farmers is essential for enhancing food security and increasing farmers' income. Therefore, the study recommends that policymakers implement appropriate measures to promote engagement in postharvest innovation practices through the dissemination of affordable postharvest technologies, including adequate storage facilities.