Design of Solar Drying Technology Equipment for Drying Food Consistent with Farmers' Willingness to Pay: Evidence from Ghana

Abstract

In this study, a survey of two hundred and fifty-five (255) farmers, sampled from the Akuapim South District in the Eastern Region and the South Tongu District in the Volta Region of Ghana was undertaken to determine their willingness to adopt and pay for solar drying technology for drying food. Using descriptive statistics, farmers’ awareness, willingness to adopt and willingness to pay for solar drying technology were analyzed. A Logit model analysis was employed in identifying factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt the technology. The empirical results reveal a low level of awareness of the solar drying technology (27%) among the farmers. However majority (94.5%) were willing to adopt the technology and (88.2%) willing to pay for the technology. The modal amount farmers were willing to pay was GH¢100.00 and the highest amount GH¢1000.00. The modal amount of GH¢100.00 ($66.00) can produce a 4sq meter simple box type solar dryer that has a drying capacity of 50kg per sq meter, which guarantees the farmers shorter drying time and lower final moisture content. The study also found incentive provision, total monthly income of farmers and space to accommodate a solar dryer as the factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt the solar drying technology. In this respect, sensitization campaigns should be intensified to create more awareness of the solar drying technology among small holder farmers. In doing so, farmers should be introduced to varied designs and varied costs of the technology in order for them to make their own choice. Solar dried food products should be differentiated and considered for higher prices, ready market and export to motivate farmers to adopt the technology. Further, there is the need for the provision of space (land) by the District Assemblies in the various communities where these farmers can conveniently place their solar dryers for the purpose of drying the food products. Finally, since income is a factor that significantly influences farmers’ adoption of the technology, it is imperative that the government provides the solar drying equipments at vantage points in the communities that farmers could use to dry their products, even if at an affordable fee.

Key words: Design, solar drying technology, drying food, adoption, farmers’ willingness to pay amount, Binary Logit Model, Ghana