Strengthening Postharvest Technology Development and Improvement through Feedback

Purpose: This inquiry is predicated on the datum or truism that all technologies have a gap and or become obsolete at some point, and the utilization of pass´e technologies predisposes the agricultural sector to underdevelopment. It investigates technological paucities and fixes for Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) technologies (NSPRI Smoking Kiln (NSK), Parabolic-shaped Solar Dryer (PSSD), Ice Fish Box® (IFB®), Hermetic Steel Drum (HSD) and Ventilated Plastic Crate (VPC)) from the perspective of users of the technologies. Research Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using the in-person method as its feedback mechanism in 18 states across 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data were obtained through interview schedules while a multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of respondents. Eighteen (18) States where NSPRI postharvest technologies have been disseminated and adopted were purposively selected, followed by the selection of users of improved NSPRI postharvest technologies. Frequencies, percentages, means and weighted averages were employed in the analysis of data components. Findings: Results showed that 70% of respondents have never provided feedback on NSPRI technologies. Executives of various associations were used by 45% of NSK users, 59% of IFB users, and 48% of VPC users to provide feedback while 43% of PSSD users and 40% of HSD users shared opinions through NSPRI extension staff. In general, there exists a strong (NSK: 94% PSSD: 95.2% IFB®: 91% HSD: 88.6% VPC: 74.5%) willingness to recommend technologies among respondents even as they provided positive feedback on use parameters and components of the technologies. However, respondents opined that the roller and chimney (NSK), durability of polypropylene cover (PSSD), draining of thawed ice (IFB®), and bolted ring (HSD) require improvement. Originality/ Value: These findings provide valuable information for the improvement of extant postharvest technologies.


INTRODUCTION
Feedback, known in innovation management parlance as review is a crucial component of technological development and improvement.It is the information, perceptions, and inputs shared by stakeholders about their experiences with the utilization of technologies, products, protocols, or services; it provides insight into overall outcomes, characteristics, and/or consequences of technologies, products, protocols, or services disseminated to clientele not leaving out their deficiencies and fixes.It is the process of relating information from end-users back to research after having received or used an innovation (Oyetoro and Akinbode, 2010).
The Journal of Agricultural Sciences -Sri Lanka, 2024, Vol. 19 No 2 Information gathered through feedback is reported to Research and Development (RD) for making improvements to existing technologies or developing new ones from scratch.The improvements made to agricultural technologies based on feedback have led to significant enhancement in user satisfaction (Kimano et al., 2010).Nonetheless, little or no consideration for feedback from end users has led to unrealistic, ineffective and sometimes culturally incompatible technologies.
The importance of feedback is heightened by the cavernous information gap existing between Research and Development (R & D), extension, and users of research results impacting negatively on overall agricultural development, especially the development of agricultural technologies and practices (Omotayo, 2004).Add to the aforesaid, organizations at the frontlines of technological development in the agricultural sector especially in the Third World have had to stick with technologies long after their values have diminished because of huge financial investments that go into R D which may not always give a tangible result.Even so, change is constant, and locking into technologies for unnecessarily long periods will not align with the ever-changing technology needed in modern agriculture.
Research by itself is not all-knowing; feedback creates a relationship between research and consumers of agricultural technologies by fostering conversations around and about agricultural technologies.Feedback motivates change, and as such creating avenues for feedback recognizes the fact that change is constant, and dynamic technology models are the bedrock of development in the agricultural sector.Feedback could be in the form of commendation (positive) for an innovation or commendation for some component of the innovation, it could also be disapproval (negative) for an innovation or disapproval for some of its components.Commendation gives credence while criticism offers ideas to improve the innovation.
NSPRI is in the business of delivering improved postharvest technologies to stakeholders in Nigeria.Despite its contributions to combating food losses, large-scale empirical studies (studies with national spread) have not been conducted in recent times at improving on design, and production, as well as on increasing efficiency of these through feedback from clientele.Furthermore, all technologies have inadequacies and or become antediluvian at some time, therefore this investigation will seek to provide answers backed by scientific experimentation to the salient topical question: What are technological paucities and fixes for NSPRI technologies from the standpoint of users of such technologies?Consequently, the fact that the utilization of passé technologies and methods is rife in the research and development domain, the need to stem this anomaly calls for an investigation whose objectives are to ascertain the gaps in selected NSPRI technologies through feedback from relevant stakeholders and generate data that will aid in improving deficient or obsolete NSPRI technologies based on feedback from users of such technologies.Furthermore, the findings would help make recommendations that would contribute to policy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The research design was cross-sectional.In-person surveys and technology-based engagement platforms are common mechanisms employed in generating feedback.This study, however, employed the inperson feedback method.Fundamentally, this method is usually done orally and more often than not uses standardized interview schedules whose intent is to bring to the fore perceptions, experiences, requirements, and suggestions of users of a technology, product or service towards its improvement.The study was carried out in 18 states (Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Nassarawa, Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Abia, Ebonyi, Kano, and Borno) across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country.

Sampling Procedure and Sample Size
A multi-stage sampling procedure was used for the study.At the first stage, eighteen (18) States where improved NSPRI postharvest technologies have been adequately disseminated and adopted in the past were purposively selected.The technologies of interest for this study were NSPRI Smoking Kiln (NSK), Parabolic-shaped Solar Dryer (PSSD), Ice Fish Box® (IFB®), Hermetic Steel Drum (HSD), and Ventilated Plastic Crate (VPC).Secondly, users of improved NSPRI postharvest technologies were selected from diverse locations within the eighteen (18) States earlier selected.Non-probabilistic techniques especially snowballing were also employed at this stage.Similarly, the Agricultural Development Project (ADP), local resource persons in selected seventeen (17) states, and the Agro Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project in Kano State assisted in survey mapping and enumeration.Essentially, past and present users of improved NSPRI postharvest technologies identified via previous NSPRI empowerment and popularization programs were the focus of this investigation.
The Journal of Agricultural Sciences -Sri Lanka, 2024, Vol. 19 No 2 Members of groups earlier empowered in Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Abia, and Ebonyi States were interviewed on utilization and feedback for these technologies: Fish Smoking Kiln, Ice Fish Box®, Ventilated Plastic Crate, Hermetic Drum and Parabolic-shaped Solar Dryer.Ekiti, Ondo and Nassarawa States: Parabolicshaped Solar Dryer.Kano State: Hermetic Drums and Parabolic-shaped Solar Dryer; Borno State: Fish Smoking Kiln, Ice Fish Box®, and Hermetic Drum.A total of 4,500 interview schedules were sent out (250 per State) across NSPRI technologies and along the women and youth divide based on the data sheets of users of improved NSPRI postharvest technologies obtained from NSPRI, ADPs and APPEALS, 3,017 were returned (67% return rate).For this investigation, the total number of valid responses retrieved was 2,202.

Pre-Testing of Survey Instrument
Face and content validity of the research instrument was carried out by an assortment of experts from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, and the Department of Sociology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.Using the Test-retest method, Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to ascertain the reliability of the survey instrument.With this in perspective, the instrument was considered consistent as a reliability coefficient of 0.71 was obtained.

Data Collection and Analysis
Items on the research instrument were developed to provide answers to the objectives of the study.This was also augmented with a qualitative data tool viz.: key informant interview.The data obtained were in nominal, ordinal, and interval levels.Feedback from respondents on postharvest technologies was obtained using a Likert-type scale and analyzed using the weighted mean known in some circles as a weighted average.This incorporates multiplying each data point in a set by a value, which is determined by some characteristics of its contribution to the data point (Clark-Carter, 2010).

Demographics of the Respondents
As shown in Table 01, the distribution of stakeholders (users) along the sex divide reflects the focus of previous NSPRI empowerment programmes male 36.5, female 63.5 (disaggregated: NSK; male 37.1, female 62.9; PSSD; male 25.5, female 74.5;IFB®; male 31.7,female 68.3;HSD male;44.7,female 55.3;VPC;male 43.6,female 56.4).Youths are persons between the ages of 15 and 35 years (African Union, 2006).Be that as it may, the mean age of users of these technologies is estimated at 44 years (disaggregated: NSK;44;PSSD;46;IFB®;43;HSD;45;VPC;40), showing that respondents are relatively young.This might not be unconnected to the fact that major recipients of NSPRI empowerment programs are women; womenfolk is not devoid of the aged.Across the technology divide, the majority of the respondents are married.Marriage exerts influence on stakeholders in the agricultural sector to embrace improved technologies (Ajala et al., 2017).Users (the crux of this investigation) of NSK, PSSD, IFB®, HSD and VPC have fish processing, grain processing and storage, fish retailing, grain processing and storage, and fruit & vegetable farming and processing as their major enterprises respectively.Aggregated mean household size (Table 02) is 6 (disaggregated household size for users of NSK; 7, PSSD; 6, IFB®; 6, HSD; 7, VPC; 6).The majority of the respondents (i.e.users of PSSD, IFB®, HSD, and VPC) for this investigation are secondary school graduates.On the other hand, the majority (33.3%) of NSK users are recipients of primary school education.However, further scrutiny of the data presented in Table 02 suggests that across the board, respondents are educated; education is an important explanatory factor that positively influences the decision to utilize improved technologies (Namara et al., 2013).A large majority of respondents belong to a group, membership of this is however skewed towards a cooperative society.Membership in a group/association is known to provide opportunities for accessing information and knowledge, credit, input and improved technologies (Owojaiye, 2022).
Among users of these technologies (Table 03), an estimated 65% do not have access to credit facilities while the majority of those that do rely chiefly on noninstitutional sources.That said, access to credit is a key to rural development as it is essential for promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (Attah et al., 2018), non-access however decreases income by inhibiting productive investments (Akinlo, 2014).Table 03 (Adegbola, 2019).Also, Table 03 shows an overwhelming majority of respondents received technologies from the government (NSPRI empowerment and popularization projects).
As shown in Table 04, the pre-eminent mode of technology utilization for IFB® and VPC (transportation and handling technologies) is personal.For the first the least mode of utilization is personal and group (i.e.both) while the group mode of utilization is the least for the other.The lowest mode of technology utilization for NSK and PSSD (processing technologies) is personal.For the former the most prominent mode of utilization is personal and group (i.e.both) while the group mode of utilization is foremost for the latter.For HSD, given its peculiarity as a low to medium-storage technology, the principal mode of utilization is personal.Apart from VPC which is principally used at the commercial level, respondents majorly utilized technologies for both subsistence and commercial purposes (i.e.both).The public extension system represents the most common source of information for stakeholders in Nigeria (Adegbola, 2019).Put in perspective, the majority of respondents have had contact(s) with extension agents in the past 12 months with an estimated average of 3 contacts.Most users of NSK and PSSD (processing technologies) live in rural areas, however majority of respondents who use the IFB®, HSD and VPC live in suburbs.Finally, all respondent categories except users of PSSD have their business in the suburbs.

Opinions/Feedback Channels
Limited feedback hinders the development, improvement, and advancement of technologies (Ojo et al., 2014) which have the potential to increase productivity and improve livelihood.According to Table 05, about 70% of respondents for this survey have never provided feedback(s) on NSPRI technologies.For those who have, these categories of respondents NSK users (45%), IFB users (59%), and VPC users (48%) have majorly shared their opinions through the executives of various associations they belong to.However, users of PSSD (43%) and HSD (40%) shared opinions through NSPRI extension staff.The high percentage of respondents who have never provided feedback mirrors the low premium placed on feedback in the sector.This phenomenon however is not untypical of the agricultural sector in developing countries, Nigeria inclusive, where stakeholders' reliance on extension staff in transmitting and receiving information has been ineffective due to the low extension agent-tofarmer ratio.This dearth of feedback in the technology development space creates a chasm between subject matter specialists and end users of technology; it leaves the former in the dark as to required improvement while the latter are sometimes stuck with obsolete technologies or those not in sync with current needs and realities of the time.

Feedback on NSPRI Technologies
NSK is a technology for smoking/drying fish and meat.Its major components are the drying chamber with drying trays, a combustion chamber, and an oil collector.This kiln may be classified based on size and or heat source (charcoal, gas, and electricity).The charcoal variant was the focus of this investigation.Table 06 shows the opinion of respondents that the following components of the NSK; charcoal tray, door, oil extractor, fish tray, and metal sheet do not require improvement.In the same vein, the respondents opine that drying time using the NSK is optimal (this may not be unconnected to the quality of the metal sheet (primary material) and lagging of the NSK) and needs The Journal of Agricultural Sciences -Sri Lanka, 2024, Vol. 19 No 2   no further improvement in this regard.They however hold that the roller and chimney components require improvements; the rollers are quick to get detached and the chimney needs a mesh and a cone-shaped covering.
PSSD is a form of confined solar dryer.It consists of transparent materials that provide a covering and transmit heat from the sun into the drying chamber.It also has an insulated black floor that stores heat from the sun to prevent its loss due to conduction.Table 07 shows the opinion of respondents that the following components of the PSSD: tray, frame, and aspirator do not require improvement.Similarly, respondents opine that drying time using the PSSD is ideal and products retain their natural color (this may not be unrelated to the fact that the ultraviolet-treated polypropylene cover transmits heat, and the insulated black floor forestalls heat loss).Nevertheless, they view the durability of polypropylene cover as suspect as it is quick to tear after a few months of use; it therefore requires improvement.A higher gauge of polypropylene cover would enhance its durability.
IFB® is used to extend the shelf-life of fresh fish.It is a means of handling fish for transporting, distributing, and marketing.The IFB® consists of a double-wall food-grade plastic with insulation between the walls.The box has a tight-fitting lid that is also insulated.The insulation reduces heat transfer from the surroundings and conserves the ice's cooling effect.The technology has a draining outlet for the water that could arise from the defrosting ice placed in it.As shown in Table 08, respondents perceive that the size/capacity of the box, roller/wheel, and tightness of lid/cover do not require improvement.Nonetheless, they opine that the draining of thawed ice requires improvement.The outlet for draining should be constructed to be at the same level as the floor of the box to allow for complete draining.
VPC are strong, rigid, easy to clean, stackable, nestable and reusable plastic crates for handling fruits and vegetables.These crates allow for cross ventilation of air to prevent heat build-up when loaded with fruits and vegetables.They have a maximum loading level to prevent mechanical damage when stacked.Utilization of this technology reduces overall transportation costs because they can be stacked and reused.As presented in Table 09, respondents' feedback shows that the strength of the crate handle, holding capacity, ventilation of produce, the durability of crate, and strength of the base (all aspects of use/ components of the technology) function as desired and do not require improvement.
HSD are rigid airtight structures used to store durable agricultural produce both at domestic and commercial levels.They provide moisture and insect control without pesticides.These have tight-fitting lids, creating a barrier between the produce and the outside atmosphere to prevent oxygen and water movement between the environment and the stored produce.Table 10 reveals the opinion of respondents to be that the following components of the HSD; capacity The Journal of Agricultural Sciences -Sri Lanka, 2024, Vol. 19 No 2 of drum lid/cover, and material (steel) do not require improvement.They however hold that the bolted ring requires improvement; its bolt and nuts are fitted too close to the drum and require other devices (spanner) to fasten and unfasten.

Advantages of using NSPRI Technologies
As shown in Tables 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, the major advantages associated with the use of these technologies are as follows NSK: fast drying time, hygienic output, and extension shelf life; PSSD: fast drying time, dried products look better, saves stress; IFB®: durability of technology, extension of shelf life of commodity, portable; HSD: improved shelflife, insect free products, prevents rodent attacks; VPC: protection of produce during transport, extension of shelf life, and easy to handle.

Challenges Associated with the Usage of NSPRI Technologies
As shown in Tables 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, major challenges associated with the use of these technologies are as follows NSK: roller, capacity of fish tray, and quality of charcoal tray material; PSSD: Fastening bolts piercing the polypropylene cover, polypropylene cover susceptible to tear, and the structure as a whole lack protective barrier against domestic animals; IFB®: Scarcity and cost of ice, and small holding capacity; HSD: It is expensive, scarce, and not compatible with dominant practices in the sector; VPC: does not allow flexible arrangement during transportation, not a unit of measurement, and small holding capacity.

Respondents' Willingness to Recommend Technology
Willingness to recommend is a strong research approach that captures interpersonal communication as one of the most powerful means to increase adoption of technologies by both current and would-be users (Aksoy et al., 2011).Put in perspective, Table 21 revealed an overwhelming majority of users of these technologies (NSK: 94% PSSD: 95.2% IFB®: 91% HSD: 88.6% VPC: 74.5%) were willing to make a recommendation to potential users.This suggests that the advantages of the technologies far exceed the seeming challenges accompanying the use of these technologies.

CONCLUSION
Little or no consideration for feedback from end users has led to impracticable, incompatible, and costineffective technologies in the agricultural sector.This investigation revealed that most users of postharvest technologies have never provided feedback that could aid the improvement of technologies or the development of new ones from scratch.The executives of various associations these users belong to, NSPRI Extension Staff and ADPs represent the most popular channels of providing feedback among respondents.Feedback garnered showed that four of the five technologies of interest had at least one component requiring improvement.Despite the desire for these improvements, respondents' satisfaction with technology components and use parameters is reflected in their strong willingness to recommend these technologies.The positive feedback on most components of these technologies gives credence while negative feedback from the perspective of end-users on a few components calls for further research to improve these technologies.

Table
also shows the aggregated average years of experience in the enterprise to be 12 (disaggregated years of experience: NSK; 11, PSSD; 12, IFB®; 12, HSD; 13, VPC; 11) implying that respondents are relatively well experienced.Long years of experience enhance respondents' understanding and aid the utilization of technologies of concern.Add to the aforementioned, experienced users would have a lower level ofThe Journal of AgriculturalSciences -Sri Lanka, 2024, Vol.19 No 2   Agricultural Sciences -Sri Lanka, 2024, Vol.19  No 2 Survey, 2022.*DNRI= Does not require improvement, *WS= Weighted score, *N= Number of respondents.The Journal of AgriculturalSciences -Sri Lanka, 2024, Vol.19  No 2

Table 5 :
Distribution of respondents according to feedback channels

Table 15 :
Advantages of VPC

Table 16 :
Major challenges with the use of NSK

Table 17 :
Major challenges with the use of PSSD

Table 18 :
Major challenges with the use of IFB®

Table 19 :
The Journal of AgriculturalSciences -Sri Lanka, 2024, Vol.19No 2 Major challenges with the use of HSD

Table 20 :
Major challenges with the use of VPC

Table 21 :
Distribution of respondents according to their willingness to recommend Technology