Challenges of Melon Processing Among Women Processors in Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Processing of melon plays a significant role in the livelihood of rural women as it serves as their major occupation. Despite its significant role, the women processors were faced with some challenges. This study, therefore, identified the challenges faced by women in melon processing in Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 80 respondents using a structured questionnaire coupled with an interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the majority of the women processors were advanced in age, well experienced, do not belong to a cooperative society, and relied strictly on processing melon as their source of livelihood. They had an average income of N286,400 (USD 751.71) per annum. Low capital, poor credit facilities, high transportation cost, price fluctuation, rapid deterioration, low supply of melon, poor storage facilities, high cost of processing machine, and breakage of seed were the identified constraints facing them. The study recommended that the women processors should form a cooperative society which will help in financing and easy marketing of their products. Also, the government should provide financial assistance, good storage facilities, and subsidized melon processing machine to increase efficiency.

Effects of vegetable production on income and livelihood of rural households in Nigeria

“…(1) Where Y is the annual income (NGN, N), V is vegetable production in terms of its yield (kg per ha), A is the age of the farmers (years), HS is the household size (number of people in the household), ED is the educational level of the farmer (years), FE is the farming experience (years), FS is farm size (hectare), AE is access to extension service (1 = yes, 0 = no), AC is access to credit loan facilities (1 = yes, 0 = no), β 0 is constant, β 1 to β 8 are the coefficients and e is the error term. A five-point Likert scale score was used to explore how vegetable production has improved farmers' livelihood based on their perception and to identify constraints faced in vegetable production, as it was used in previous studies (Kshash, 2019;Obetta et al, 2020). A set of constraints were itemized and the farmers were asked to indicate their perceived level of severity to each of the problems (the same was done for perceived benefits).…”

Who are the B40 Matured and Older Rural Women Related to Freshwater Fisheries Economic Sector in Kuala Krai, Kelantan?

“…Among MORW respondents, a high percentage had a secondary or higher level of academic background (58.5%), and 41.5 percent had 'no schooling or primary education' as their academic background (Table 02). In other words, around half of MORWs had either a common educational experience or no schooling, and this could be another reason for the low productivity of their business in the FFES value chain because of innovative practices need knowledge to increase or improvise the business products from time to time (Obetta et al, 2020). Due to poverty and marginalization (Solaymani & Kari, 2014;Béné & Friend, 2011;Béné, 2003), the startup capital is low, and there is no additional capital to develop the business.…”

Socioeconomic determinants of income among rural women in Enugu state, Nigeria: implication for achieving first sustainable development goal

“…This study was conducted in the rural areas of the Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone in Enugu State, Nigeria. It is an agrarian community, and most of its inhabitants are mainly engaged in agricultural produce farming and marketing (Obetta et al, 2020). The zone shares interstate and intrastate borders with other states in the country and other local governments areas (LGAs), respectively.…”