Perception of Modern Processing Technology by Shea Butter Processors in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract The study examined the perception of Shea butter processors to modern processing technology in Kwara State. Multi stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 respondents. Data was collected using interview schedule and analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that 88.3% of the respondents were females between 40-50 years of age (47.0%) and have low level of education (83.1%). The household size of the respondents was 5-8 members (65.9%) and 1-10 years of experience (52.8%). Respondents’ level of awareness of modern processing technology was high (55.0%), pre-cleaner (98.3%) and storage tank (94.2%) being higher. The majority (62.5%) had favourable perception to modern processing technology, sixty per cent strongly agreed and 61.0% agreed that modern processing technology reduced drudgery and increase profit respectively. There was significant relationship (r= 0.182, p=0.046) between respondent’s level of awareness and their perception. Information should be disseminated to the processors in local languages on the benefits and how to use modern processing technology.