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@article{184085,
        author = {Habiba Ali and Safiya Ali and Hosea Yakubu},
        title = {Harnessing Solar Power to meet the Post-Harvest Processing needs of rural Farmers: A Case Study of Kaduna State},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {4},
        pages = {228-232},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=184085},
        abstract = {The transition to sustainable and renewable energy sources is critical in agriculture, particularly for post-harvest processing. This study explores the integration of solar power in Kaduna State, Nigeria, a region with abundant sunlight, to enhance post-harvest processing activities. A baseline assessment was conducted by SOSAI Renewable Energies Company, involving 320 farmers, 96 kiosks, and 76 millers across 30 communities. The findings indicate a significant interest in solar-powered solutions due to high fuel costs and limited access to efficient processing machines. The Market Map project onboarded 41 female agro-processors who now have access to credit facilities and solar-powered infrastructure such as dryers and machines. This has reduced operational costs by approximately 50%, increased productivity, and diversified income streams. The introduction of the "Market Map" technology has facilitated market connectivity and empowered agro-processors. The project demonstrates the economic and environmental benefits of adopting solar energy in agricultural processing, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and improved livelihoods in rural Kaduna. SOSAI Renewable Energies Company plans to expand the initiative, enhancing technological solutions and reaching more agro-processors to drive sustainable agricultural development.},
        keywords = {renewable energy, solar power, increased productivity, rural development},
        month = {September},
        }