Effects of knowledge transfer channels on the adoption of post-harvest technologies in Nigeria

The adoption of postharvest technologies has been a major and persistent challenge for Nigeria’s agro-industry, while large postharvest losses remain daunting. In addressing this challenge, several research efforts have been employed to develop postharvest technologies (PHTs). This study assesses the role of knowledge transfer channels and their effects in fostering the adoption of PHTs by agro-allied firms. The approach to the study is largely qualitative and descriptive analysis using primary data collected from 19 public agricultural research institutes (ARIs), seven universities, and case studies of five agro-allied firms. The findings of the study demonstrate the existence of PHTs developed by Nigerian agricultural research institutions (ARIs and universities) and few cases of agro-allied firms that have successfully adopted these PHTs in their operations. Cost of PHTs and simplicity of PHTs are seen by agricultural research institutions as the most important factors affecting the adoption of PHTs, while high cost of PHTs are perceived by agro-allied firms as the most important factor retarding the adoption of PHTs. The findings also confirm that though intellectual property right is important for knowledge generated by agricultural research institutions, channels of knowledge transfer that makes PHTs readily available to agro-allied firms provide open access that should be explored and encouraged to foster diffusion of PHTs among agro-allied firms in Nigeria.