Assessment of Cassava Processing Techniques on the Livelihood of Agro-Forestry Farmers in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

: Post harvest losses resulting from inadequate processing have been one of the problems affecting farmers’ income. This study was carried out to examine the contribution of cassava processing techniques on the livelihood of agroforestry farmers in Edo state. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 125 respondents which served as sample size for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results showed that 90.4% were aware of the cassava processing techniques such as the peeling, slicing, grating, sieving and frying machines. Furthermore, majority of the farmers agreed that the processing techniques were effectively in increasing productivity and 45.6% of the farmers had an increase in their annual income of up to N200,000. All the farmers attested that their income increased thus resulting in an increase in their livelihood. Chi-square results (p > 0.05) revealed that there was no significant relationship between the personal characteristics of the farmers and the constraints faced in the utilization ofthe technique. Results of correlation showed that there was a significant relationship between the processing techniques and the constraints faced in the utilization of techniques. Thus, it was recommended thatthe technologies be made simple for effective utilization in order to increase productivity
 Keywords: Agroforestry, Processing, Livelihood, Techniques, Utilization

Why cassava processors will patronize mechanized cassava peeling machine service

“…Finally, cassava processors disagreed to the perception that the revenue generated from the use of the cassava peeling machine is not enough compared to the cost involved in operating the machine, also indicating their confidence in the technol-ogy. This finding affirms similar results by Adeleye et al (2021), that utilization of improved processing technologies is beneficial and therefore must be introduced to processors to help increase their incomes and livelihoods.…”

“…The implication is that, cassava processors perceive the use of the cassava peeling machine as a means of reducing postharvest losses since a greater quantity of cassava can be peeled in a day and made ready for further processing. Adeleye et al (2021) and Sugri et al (2021), obtained similar results, stating that post-harvest losses resulting from use of processing machines are minimal. Also, cassava processors disagreed to the statement that there is no difference in the income of cassava peeling machine users and non-users.…”