Articles
Capacity building of smallholder farmers on tomato drying in selected Local Government Areas of Kano state
Article number
1348_31
Pages
225 – 232
Language
English
Abstract
Postharvest losses in tomato fruits most especially during peak season have constituted a great barrier in ensuring balance in tomato supply and demand in the country.
Furthermore, the prevailing traditional method of drying tomatoes especially during glut needs strengthening in order to incorporate food safety measures which will enhance health and improve farmers income.
Thus the introduction and training of farmers on use of the Low Cost Raised Tomato Drying Platform (LCRTDP) was conducted.
Ninety respondents trained were identified during the needs assessment and stakeholders analysis conducted in Bebeji and Garun Mallam Local Government Areas of the state.
Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test.
Findings revealed that all the respondents were male, married (84.4%), and had secondary level of education (42.2%). Majority of the farmers practiced sun drying method (98.9%). Prevalent type of tomato used for dried slices were the wholesome matured fruits (65.6%) and the processed products were sold in the nearby market (42.2%). The t-test result (t-value=7.68 p=0.000) showed a significant difference in farmers pre- and post-knowledge assessment indicating increase in knowledge on the use of the low cost drier.
The study recommends scaling up of the training to other Local Government Areas in the state being a major producer for improved food security, farmers income and livelihood.
Furthermore, the prevailing traditional method of drying tomatoes especially during glut needs strengthening in order to incorporate food safety measures which will enhance health and improve farmers income.
Thus the introduction and training of farmers on use of the Low Cost Raised Tomato Drying Platform (LCRTDP) was conducted.
Ninety respondents trained were identified during the needs assessment and stakeholders analysis conducted in Bebeji and Garun Mallam Local Government Areas of the state.
Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test.
Findings revealed that all the respondents were male, married (84.4%), and had secondary level of education (42.2%). Majority of the farmers practiced sun drying method (98.9%). Prevalent type of tomato used for dried slices were the wholesome matured fruits (65.6%) and the processed products were sold in the nearby market (42.2%). The t-test result (t-value=7.68 p=0.000) showed a significant difference in farmers pre- and post-knowledge assessment indicating increase in knowledge on the use of the low cost drier.
The study recommends scaling up of the training to other Local Government Areas in the state being a major producer for improved food security, farmers income and livelihood.
Publication
Authors
O.O. Oyedele, A.O. Oduntan, B.A. Idris, I.B. Adeoye, K.M. Bamimore, O. Adebisi-Adelani, I.O. Amao
Keywords
dried tomato, low cost raised tomato drying platform, Kano state
Groups involved
- Division Plant Genetic Resources, Breeding and Biotechnology
- Division Tropical and Subtropical Fruit and Nuts
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Temperate Tree Nuts
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Ornamental Plants
- Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers
- Division Plant-Environment Interactions in Field Systems
- Division Greenhouse and Indoor Production Horticulture
- Division Postharvest and Quality Assurance
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
- Division Horticulture for Human Health
- Division Sustaining Horticulture in a Changing World
- Division Landscape and Urban Horticulture
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