Introduction Agriculture forms one of the core elements of the rural economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, which utilises a significant number of people and conducts itself as the principal source of income and food for the affected area. However, the principal agro-processing operations that are essential in fire on the value of farm products are plagued by a variety of obstacles, primarily in places where the energy infrastructure is scanty, and electricity is sporadic in availability. Some of the problems experienced in Nigeria are frequent electrical power failures, use of environmentally unsound generators, and use of traditional biomass sources. Indeed, a significant proportion of agricultural produce goes to waste after harvest as up to 40% end up being wasted because of poor processing in storage methods. Such losses threaten household food security and hinder national economic development as well as rural economic well-being. Technological improvements in renewable energy, particularly through solar-based solutions, provide a promising answer to perennial impediments. The cost of solar power systems has been minimised and thus can be made more accessible, flexible, and functional for off-grid energy provisioning in energy-intensive agro-processing operations, such as drying, milling, and cold storage. Programmes like ColdHubs and Ecotutu are evidence of how solar cold storage can help reduce post-harvest waste significantly, ensure the freshness of produce, and add to the financial progress of rural farmers in Nigeria. Improving the efficiency of agro-processing systems and minimising dependence on fossil fuels through renewable energy is a pivotal role in strengthening environmental sustainability and climate resistance. The purpose of this research is to explore the use of renewable energy in agro-processing systems in rural areas throughout West Southwest Nigeria with emphasis on solar technologies. Methodology The research used a descriptive and exploratory approach towards agro-processing methods and the impact of solar energy technologies in rural Southwest Nigeria. The descriptive component captured the current energy consumption trends and obstacles found in agro processing while the exploratory section dealt with calculating the potential of solar energy to enhance productivity and that of life quality. The study was conducted in rural areas that specialised in agriculture where grid electricity was in shortage. The study targeted smallholder farmers, agro-processors and members of women-led cooperatives focused on food processing. Forming a spatial picture of such communities where agro-processing was prominent but electricity supply was poor was done through the use of purposive sampling, and subsequent stratified random sampling was used to ensure the inclusion of various groups within the communities. The sample contained 120 individuals who answered surveys. Data collection involved the use of structured questionnaires to collect quantitative information and semi- structured interviews with key cooperative leaders and checking facilities and energy consumption on-site. Results and discussion The findings show that renewable energy, solar power in particular, significantly enhances rural agro-processing, economically grows an area, and secures food safety. The respondents to the survey comprised a large number of men aged between 31 and 50 years, most of them having completed secondary education, who are engaged in farming and agro-processing. This group of people has a higher desire for new technology. It is, however, irresistibly reminisced by most respondents to continue to use fossil-based generators and traditional biomass due to grid- electricity being unreliable. Such conventional approaches are wasteful, damaging to ecosystems, and endanger people’s health. Still, 70% of those polled expressed intense interest in employing solar technology provided that costs would be manageable, which is a positive attitude with the primary challenges including finances and technical challenges. Such activities pursued for study like cassava milling, grain processing, palm oil extraction and post-harvest would need a lot of energy but are weighed down by inefficiency due to unreliable electricity supply. With the use of solar technology, the respondents found increased productivity, increased processing speed, and notable decrease in post-harvest losses. Conclusions This study highlights the crucial role of renewable energy, particularly solar power, in enhancing agro-processing in rural Southwest Nigeria. Despite a prevalent dependence on diesel generators and biomass, there is significant interest in adopting solar energy, provided that issues of affordability and technical barriers are addressed. Key agro-processing activities—such as cassava milling, grain processing, and drying are hindered by unreliable energy sources, resulting in inefficiencies and post-harvest losses. Keywords: Agro-processing, Economic empowerment, Food security, Renewable energy, Rural development.
Najeem Olawale Adelakun, Samuel Adeniyi Omolola