THE ROLE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR FOOD PROCESSING AND STORAGE IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NSPRI), ABUJA)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background to the Study

Food processing technologies are of utmost importance in ensuring the safety, quality and sustainability of the global food supply (Fellows, 2016). With the ever-increasing world population, the demand for efficient and effective methods of processing and preserving food is increasing (Jeyamkondan, Sherkat, & Peterson, 2013). Recent advances in food processing technology provide great hope for addressing these issues by making food safer, improving product quality, and promoting environmentally friendly habits throughout the food industry.

Food processing technology includes various tactics and ways to transform agricultural products into tasty, healthy, and easy-to-use foods (Fellows, 2016). These technological advances increase the taste and freshness of foods while ensuring they meet safety regulations. They prevent food from spoiling, keep germs away and ensure that what we eat stays good. This contributes enormously to keeping everyone around the world fed and healthy (Singh & Heldman, 2016). While food processing technologies have played a crucial role in meeting the growing demands of the population, it is important to research and understand the latest advances in this area.

The role of new technologies in food processing and storage is becoming increasingly important in Nigeria, a country with significant agricultural potential but which faces persistent challenges in food security and distribution. Recent advances have produced innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food systems. In Nigeria, where agriculture is a major sector of the economy, the integration of these technologies is critical to improving both the quality and accessibility of food. These advances not only meet the immediate needs of food preservation, but also contribute to long-term food security and economic stability.

One of the key technologies transforming the Nigerian food processing sector is the development of improved food preservation techniques. According to a study by Olanrewaju et al. (2023), advances in cold storage have significantly reduced post-harvest losses, which are a major problem in Nigeria due to inadequate storage infrastructure. The use of modern refrigeration and freeze-drying technologies has helped preserve the freshness and nutritional value of perishable goods, thereby extending their shelf life and reducing waste (Olanrewaju et al., 2023).

The implementation of intelligent packaging solutions, as described by Eze et al. (2024) has significantly improved the monitoring and tracking of food products, ensuring their safety and high quality throughout the supply chain. In addition to better preservation methods, advances in food processing technology have changed the way food is prepared and packaged. The advent of automated processing equipment and high-efficiency food processors has streamlined production and enabled higher production while reducing labor costs (Adamu et al., 2022). The manufacturing sector in Nigeria has always relied heavily on physical labor, so this change is particularly beneficial. As stated by Okoro et al. (2021), these developments have bolstered the local economy by allowing Nigerian food processors to satisfy the growing demand for processed foods both domestically and internationally.

Another important aspect of new food storage technologies is their role in minimizing food spoilage and improving supply chain logistics. Modern storage facilities equipped with climate control systems have effectively addressed issues related to temperature and humidity fluctuations that can negatively impact food quality. In order to prevent contamination and spoiling, these technologies are essential for preserving the integrity of foods, particularly grains and legumes (Sani et al., 2023). The integration of these technologies into Nigeria's food storage infrastructure has shown significant improvement in the overall efficiency of the food supply chain (Ali et al., 2024).

1.2      Statement of the Problem

Nigeria's food processing and storage sectors face significant challenges that impact food security and economic stability. One of the primary issues is the inefficiency and inadequacy of existing food preservation methods, which contribute to high levels of post-harvest losses. According to a study by Adamu et al. (2022), traditional storage facilities and outdated preservation techniques lead to significant spoilage and wastage of perishable goods. This problem is exacerbated by the country's infrastructural deficiencies, such as unreliable electricity and poor road networks, which further hinder the effectiveness of modern food storage technologies (Adamu et al., 2022).

Another critical issue is the slow adoption of advanced food processing technologies, which impacts the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigeria's food industry. Eze et al. (2024) highlight that the Nigerian food processing sector largely relies on manual methods and outdated machinery, which results in lower productivity and higher production costs. This technological lag prevents local producers from meeting the growing demand for processed foods both domestically and internationally. Moreover, the lack of investment in technology and training exacerbates these challenges, leaving many processors unable to upgrade their operations to improve quality and efficiency (Eze et al., 2024).Top of Form

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine the role of new technologies for food processing and storage in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:

1. To assess the impact of emerging technologies on the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of the Nigerian food processing industry.
2. To identify the specific technological interventions required to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security in Nigeria.
3. To evaluate the potential of new technologies to improve the nutritional quality and safety of processed foods in the Nigerian market.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. How do emerging technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain enhance the efficiency and productivity of food processing enterprises in Nigeria?
2. What is the correlation between the adoption of new storage technologies and the reduction of post-harvest losses of major staple crops in Nigeria?
3. How can the application of advanced food processing technologies contribute to improving the nutritional value and safety of processed foods in the Nigerian context?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: The implementation of new technologies in food processing and storage has no significant effect on the efficiency, safety, or quality of food products in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:

Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Agriculture Engineering sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.

Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analyzed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.

Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is delimited to Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Abuja. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.

1.9 Organization of the Study

The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.

Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.

Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.

Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.

1.10 Definition of Terms

1.  Food Processing Technology

Food processing technology refers to the use of modern techniques and machinery to transform raw agricultural products into consumable food items. This includes methods such as canning, drying, fermentation, and freezing, which improve the safety, shelf life, and nutritional value of food.

2. Cold Chain Management

 Cold chain management involves maintaining a consistent temperature-controlled environment from the point of production to the end consumer. This technology is crucial for preserving perishable foods, reducing spoilage, and extending shelf life, especially in the context of Nigeria's diverse climate and infrastructure challenges.

3.  Smart Agriculture

Smart agriculture encompasses the integration of digital technologies like sensors, GPS, and data analytics into farming practices. These technologies help optimize crop yields, monitor soil health, and manage resources more efficiently, contributing to more sustainable and productive food systems.

4.  Food Storage Technology

Food storage technology includes innovations designed to maintain the quality and safety of food products over time. This includes advanced refrigeration systems, vacuum sealing, and modified atmosphere packaging, which are essential for reducing waste and preserving food in Nigeria’s varied environmental conditions.

5.  Post-Harvest Handling

Post-harvest handling refers to the processes involved in managing crops after they have been harvested, including cleaning, sorting, packaging, and transportation. New technologies in this area aim to minimize losses, enhance product quality, and ensure that food reaches the market in optimal condition.

6.  Biotechnology in Food Production

Biotechnology in food production involves the use of biological processes, such as genetic modification and fermentation, to enhance the quality, yield, and resilience of food crops. This technology can help address food security issues by creating crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.

7.  Internet of Things (IoT) in Food Systems

The Internet of Things (IoT) in food systems refers to the network of interconnected devices and sensors that collect and exchange data related to food production, processing, and storage. IoT applications can provide real-time monitoring and control, improving efficiency and traceability throughout the food supply chain.