Abstract

 This study was designed to investigate the utilization ofthe beneficial Post-Harvest Technology (PHT) information by Agro-based Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Abia State, Nigeria The purpose ofthe study was, therefore, to find out the factors influencing the use ofthe PHT information by the AWE and proffer suggestions for improving utilization of PHT by the women for effective agro-based entrepreneurship in the study area. Data were collectedfrom a sample of264 women front a population of2,358 registered AWE in the state with the aid of a welf-stfucdi^d‘d^stiblfit 46 years) agro-based women entrepreneurs in the state utilized the same PHT information with no significant difference (P > 0.05) in all the mean responses of the two groups of women after hypotheses testing. The highly utilized PHT information were those on consumer choice, food packaging, storage ofagricultural products, handling of agricultural produce, post-harvest loss prevention and preservation ofharvested crops while the PHT information that had h\v extern ofmilivntion included' value addition/ prnressirio minli'v standards, commodity distribution, marketing regulations and Pill credit facilities. The respondents further agreed that the use of the local language in the delivery of PHT information, establishment of more community libraries and information centres, regular visits by extension and information agents, regular training workshops and more radio and television programmes and/or channels dedicated to PHT information would improve the utilization of PHT information by AWE in the state. The study recommended that librarians and information scientists should not only collaborate with other professionals and stakeholders (governmental and nongovernmental) to provide relevant information material assistance to AWE but should also' repackage PHT information in-the-forms;that will enhance their optimal-ulilizatmnby tluivtyVE-and:aho bringithe information nearer to the AWE for effective agro-based entrepreneurship in Ahia State and areas with similar culture and agro ecology.