The study examined limitations and processing technologies of sweet potato production by farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling techniques were used for the study. Four local governments out of the 21 local governments in the State were purposely selected due to their popularity in sweet potato production. Two communities were selected from each local government to give a total of 8 communities that were used for the study. Fifteen (15) sweet potato farmers were selected from each community using simple random sampling technique and this gave a total sample size of 120 farmers. Data were generated through a structured interview schedule. Out of 120 questionnaires distributed, only 100 were retrieved and used for analysis. Percentage, frequency, mean score and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Results show that 79% of the farmers were female and their mean age was 38 years. Majority (58%) of the farmers were not aware of the technologies introduced to them while, some farmers were aware of the innovation. None of the farmers adopted the technologies. Too much attention on other crops with a weighted mean score 2.74, high perishability of sweet potato with a weighted mean score 2.63, inadequate finance with a weighted mean score 2.60, pest/disease infestation (2.48), high cost of sweet potato processing equipment (2.48) farmers' low knowledge on sweet potato value Chain (2.45), in adequate extension services with a weighted mean score 2.42 were identified by the farmers as the major constraints to sweet potato production technologies in the study area.
Investment in agricultural sector anchors economic growth of a country which brings about food security. Agricultural sector is a strong driver of the Nigerian economy. It employs about 70% of the nation's labour force and has the capacity to alleviate poverty and ensure food security. This paper reviewed the cassava production trends, cassava value chain issues, value chain and the challenges for cassava production and processing in Nigeria. The paper recommends that the extension linkage with research should be strengthened so as to facilitate the spread of improved cultivars and management practices to farmers. The involvement of more cooperative societies in the multiplication and sales of stems should be encouraged. Integration of information and supply of various inputs is necessary. A group approach to extension delivery should be further promoted and the use of existing and new cultivars should be made popular through an extended or expanded cassava multiplication programme. Effective strategies are needed for stakeholders to share their experiences with those of other countries of the sub region who are participating in the processing of cassava. Cooperation linkages are needed with other important stakeholders like agricultural research, microfinance institutions, quality standards organizations, and equipment fabricators.
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