Influence of village adoption program: level of utilization of Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) Postharvest Technologies among arable crop handlers in Alapa community, Kwara State, Nigeria

To date, farmers seldom feel the impact of agricultural innovations either because they have no access to such vital information or because it is poorly disseminated. The study assessed the influence of village adoption program on the level of utilization of NSPRI postharvest Technologies among arable crop handlers in Alapa Community of Kwara State, Nigeria. The study was carried out in Alapa Community in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The population of the study includes all the arable crop handlers in the study area. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 48 respondents for the study. The primary data were obtained with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and structured interview guide. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Linear Regression model). Majority of the respondents were educated (87.5%) with a mean age and household’s size of 38.31±10.743 years and 5.48±1.203 respectively. Similarly, majority of the respondents utilized NSPRI parabolic solar dryer (75.0%) and yam barn (47.9%) on high level. Lack of training (WMS = 2.10) was the major challenge faced in the utilization of NSPRI postharvest Technologies in Alapa community. The result of linear regression model revealed that educational level (t = 7.452***) was significantly related with the level of utilization of NSPRI postharvest technologies. Since educational level is an important determinant of technology utilization, there is adequate need for advocacy for acquisition of quality education to further enhance effective utilization of technology with attending better output and higher return to investment.