Improving the uptake of postharvest innovations by farmers: A Cameroon Experience

Abstract

The uptake of postharvest innovations by Cameroonian farmers is generally low. In an attempt to improve on the situation a new extension strategy was tested. Multiple participative activities were carried out with members of a rural organisation as a strategy to encourage them to adopt new cassava processing technologies that could improve on the product, “garri” (a fermented and roasted granular meal) and its marketing. The activities included a participative appraisal of the problems and constraints of their existing garri making practices, field visits to improved garri processing facilities elsewhere in the country, practical training on more efficient garri processing technologies and group discussions/decision on the most appropriate strategy that they could use to adopt the new techniques. The group discussions showed that the farmers were enthusiastic to adopt the techniques. The adoption strategy unanimously agreed upon was that of capital build-up through individual savings and gradual acquisition and introduction of the innovations into their existing garri processing system.



The Journal of Food Technology in Africa Volume 5 Number 4 (October - December 2000), pp. 135-138