TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE OF FOOD INDUSTRY: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The study is a descriptive survey research designed to examine technology and the future of food industry: benefits and challenges. The area of the study is Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The population of the study is 29 food industries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The sample size is 20 managers of food industries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria was used for the study. Stratified sampling techniques was applied in the selection process. The instrument used for the study was a structured questionnaire titled technology and the future of food industry: benefits and challenges (TFFIBC) with 30 item questions. Reliability co-efficient of 0.72 was obtained. Mean and t test were the statistical tools used for the study. It was found that technology helps to make a wide range of food accessible to a wider audience while also removing bacteria and disease from the food. Based on the finding, the researcher recommended that women should be given more power by assuring their access to resources that can be used to generate revenue, providing information and extension services, securing loans, developing labor- and time-saving technologies, and promoting their participation in family and agricultural decisions.