Economics of Processing Cassava Into Garri and Pallet in Kogi State Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The broad objective of this study is to investigate the economics of processing cassava into gari and pellets in Kogi State.
The specific objectives are to:
- describe the socio-economic characteristics of cassava processors;
- identify and describe the various technologies utilized by cassava processors;
- ascertain the gender roles in cassava processing; ‘
- estimate the influence of socio-economic characteristics of the processors on their income.
- determine the profitability of processing cassava into garri and pellets;
- identify constraints militating against the processors of cassava in the study area;
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Processing of crops into forms convenient and acceptable for use is as old as human history. The various methods of processing food crops came up as a result of necessity; mainly because some food crops cannot be consumed the way they are harvested nor be kept long. The dictionary of agriculture defined processing as one of the marketing services which deal with the conversion of produce into a more finished condition before sale or consumption (Somani and Tikka, 1994). For the purpose of this study, related literatures are reviewed under the following sub-headings:
Importance of Processing
- Cassava products
- Cassava utilization
- Cassava processing techniques
- Gender roles in cassava processing
- Constraints in cassava processing
- Theoretical framework
- Review of empirical studies
- Analytical framework
Importance of Processing
Harvesting is the final stage in the process of crop production and marks the beginning of the process of making the produce useful to individuals and the society.
There are benefits associated with large diversity of processing techniques developed by the rural dwellers.
Processing permits the productive use crop residues and wastes (Bliek, Alders and Bayer 1993). Similar findings were reported by other researchers for instance use of millet stalks for mat making, roof thatching, fence making and even as piths for toys by children in Niger (Lamara and Feil, 1993; Hopskin and Reardon, 1989). Increase in the value of crop residues have been reported in Nigeria as most crop residues are reserved for livestock. This according to Speirs and Olsen (1992) is due to the gradual loss of grazing ground.
The use of crops that require elaborate processing but have other advantages have been made possible. Long storage of farm products to provide a more balanced and diversified food supply through the period of scarcity have been observed (Bliek et al., 1993). Processing is strategic in expanding markets for perishables (Abott, 1988). For instance cassava processed into other products stores longer. According to Williams (1979), it is a powerful engine of development as it allows for stability in the availability of food crops. Improvement in the nutritive value of farm products have been observed. It improves acceptability, palatability and digestibility of farm produces (Imo, 1990). This is confirms by Onabolu’s (1989) observation that fermentation enhance riboflavin synthesis. Other benefits include increase in the market value of crops by refining and preserving them until market prices are higher.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain economic of processing cassava into garri and pallet in Kogi state, Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing an economic of processing cassava into garri and pallet in Kogi state, Nigeria
Summary
This study was on economic of processing cassava into garri and pallet in Kogi state, Nigeria. Seven objectives were raised which included: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of cassava processors, identify and describe the various technologies utilized by cassava processors, ascertain the gender roles in cassava processing, estimate the influence of socio-economic characteristics of the processors on their income, determine the profitability of processing cassava into garri and pellets and identify constraints militating against the processors of cassava in the study area. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected farmers in Kogi state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
From this study, it was found that most of the respondents were women in their active working age, majority of who are married and experienced in the processing enterprise. The level of utilization of improved technologies by the cassava processors was very low. Processing of cassava into garri and pellets are still being carried out using traditional technologies. The processing of cassava in the study area is dominated by women while men play little roles. The profitability analysis showed that processing cassava into garri is more profitable with a profitability index (PI) of 0.40 as against that of pellet which has a profitability index (PI) of 0.33. Socio-economic attributes of the farmers such as age, gender, education, experience, access to credit and number of labourers in the cassava processing enterprise significantly influenced their income. The major challenges of the cassava processors include: high cost of processing inputs, high cost of transportation, poor storage facilities and techniques, fluctuation in price of processed cassava products and poor road network for transporting fresh and processed cassava products among others.
Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions drawn from this study, the following recommendations are made:
The government should make the processors aware of appropriate technologies that can reduce labour bottlenecks and enhance processing and home activities in the state. Existing technologies must be relevant to the needs of the processors.
Efforts should be made by technology developers in making new processing technologies and devices as close as possible to the existing traditional ones. This will facilitate acceptability.
The income of the processors was significantly and statistically affected by their socio-economic characteristics, therefore there should be capacity building for the processors to improve their social and wellbeing for profitable cassava processing in the area.
The government through formulation of appropriate policies should help stabilize the prices of agricultural commodities to encourage fanners and processors in their respective enterprises.
There should be regular visits and contacts by agricultural extension agents to teach and guide the processors on the adoption of improved technologies in their cassava processing enterprises.
The government should as a matter of urgency provide adequate infrastructure such as storage facilities and good road network to solve the present problems of processors in the study area.
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