Introduction
Post-harvest losses significantly impact food security in Nigeria, where a substantial percentage of harvested produce goes to waste due to poor storage facilities. Nigerian women engineers have been instrumental in developing innovative solutions for food preservation and processing.
Innovations in Post-Harvest Management in Nigeria
Cold Storage Solutions
- Solar-powered cold storage facilities to prevent spoilage in rural Nigerian communities.
- Developed by experts like Dr. Halima Musa, these systems improve food longevity for local farmers.
- Introduction of portable refrigeration units for small-scale Nigerian farmers to extend the shelf life of dairy products and vegetables.
Bioprocessing for Value Addition
- Use of bio-based preservation techniques to extend the shelf life of perishable Nigerian crops like tomatoes and yams.
- Supporting economic benefits for smallholder farmers, particularly women traders in Nigeria’s markets.
- Creation of fermentation and dehydration methods to process local crops into durable food products, reducing post-harvest losses.
Efficient Grain Milling and Processing Machines
- Development of ergonomic and energy-efficient grain processing machines for Nigerian women in agribusiness.
- Reduction in post-harvest losses and improvement in profitability.
- Introduction of community grain storage banks in Nigeria to help prevent grain spoilage due to moisture and pests.
Challenges in Food Security Engineering in Nigeria
- Limited funding for female-led research on post-harvest management.
- Lack of infrastructure in rural Nigerian areas for effective food storage.
- Social and cultural barriers preventing women’s full participation in agricultural engineering.
- Insufficient market access for small-scale female farmers in Nigeria.
Strategies for Empowering Women in Bioresources Engineering in Nigeria
- Capacity-building programs for Nigerian women farmers, such as training in modern food processing techniques.
- Government policies supporting female-led innovations in post-harvest management.
- Investment in technology transfer and rural infrastructure to support women’s agricultural initiatives.
- Promotion of women-led agribusiness startups to increase Nigerian women’s influence in the agricultural market.
Conclusion
Women engineers in Nigeria are revolutionizing post-harvest management and food security through innovative solutions. Addressing barriers and increasing support for their contributions will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sustainability.
