Perceptions and behavioral intentions of smallholder farmers toward the adoption of solar dryers for postharvest management of perishable horticultural products in Tanzania

Persistent postharvest losses among smallholder farmers in developing countries, particularly in horticultural value chains, continue to threaten food security and income stability. Although solar dryers offer a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution, their adoption remains limited. Existing studies have mainly emphasized technical and economic performance, with limited attention to behavioral factors influencing adoption decisions. This study examined farmers’ perceptions of solar dryers and the influence of sociodemographic, cognitive, and behavioral traits on adoption intention. Data from 291 horticultural smallholder farmers in northern Tanzania were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. Results revealed moderate perceived usefulness (PU) (mean = 3.08) and low perceived ease of use (PEOU) (mean = 2.55). Optimism (β = 0.517; 0.554; and 1.107) and innovativeness (β = 0.444; -0.158; and 0.255) significantly influence PEOU, PU, and BI directly, respectively. Also, discomfort (β = -0.134) significantly influences PEOU of solar dryers. Likewise, PEOU (β = 0.501 and 0.231) significantly influences both PU and BI, respectively, while PU (β = 0.449) significantly influences BI. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening positive technology readiness traits through financial and non-financial incentives to accelerate the adoption of solar drying technologies among smallholder farmers.