Perception and adoption determinants of pre and post-harvest technologies: tomato value chain perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the perception, the importance and adoption determinants of pre and post-harvest technologies (PPHTs) along fresh tomato fruit value chain. Data was collected from value chain actors via a survey. The analytical result reveals the choice of cultivar type, and temperature management as the most important technologies being used to reduce post-harvest losses in Ghana's tomato value chain. There is a positive perception of PPHTs' ability to reduce post-harvest losses. However, the degree of perception differs among adopters and non-adopters of PPHTs. Whereas, increase in adopters' age and the perceived PPHTs risk are likely to undermine the adoption of PPHTs, increase in temperature and access to PPHT, education, labour, credits are likely to increase the adoption PPHTs significantly. Hence, there is the need to consider the perception, the importance of PPHTs, and the adoption determinants surrounding PPHTs in making policies to control post-harvest losses in tomato value chain.