Factors Militating Against Adoption of NSPRI Installed Inert Atmosphere Silo; A Case of Dawanau Grain Market in Kano State

Abstract

This research investigated the level of adoption of an inert atmosphere silo at Dawanau international grain market, Kano, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed grain merchants' usage and preference for the inert atmosphere silo. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, one-on-one interview, and focus group discussion (FGD). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using tables and figures. The result indicated a zero percent level of adoption of inert atmospheric silo in the study area. This complete lack of adoption of the technology can be attributed to several factors which according to 74% of the respondents, included the fact that it is not suitable for keeping more than one grain at a time. While 55% of the respondents reported operational complexities and monitoring difficulties, 12% stated that they were not willing to take a chance with their crops. Furthermore, 64% of the respondents pointed out that silo is incompatible with Nigeria's existing grain value chain. Assessment of the preferred method for grain storage showed that the vast majority (86%) of the respondents preferred stores and warehouses. According to the consensus views from all the focus group sessions, merchants indicated that warehouses were mostly preferred because of their ease of use and compatibility with grain value chains, resulting in flexible trading and storage. The study concluded that, despite the free installation of inert atmosphere silos in the Dawanau international grain market by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, neither the merchants nor retailers are utilizing the technology. It is recommended that a need assessment survey and compatibility study be conducted before technology development to ensure that the technology will meet the needs and expectations of the end-users.