Analysis of Women Participation in Cassava Production and Processing in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the participation of women in cassava production and processing in Imo State, Nigeria. Stratified and simple random samplings were used to select 60 women that engage in the enterprise in the state. Descriptive statistics, participation index and econometric tool were used to analyze data. The main enterprise objective of the women was household consumption. A grand mean participation index of 3.02 obtained is an indication that the women always participated in the enterprise in the state. The dominant activities of the women were cultivation, cutting of cassava sticks, frying and fire preparation. Level of education, number of visits by extension agents, access to farm credit, farm income, and cooperative membership were the statistically (p<0.05) significant factors that affect the respondents in the state. The major constraints faced by the respondents were non-ownership of farm land, pre-occupation with household chores, inadequate farm size and high cost of processing. It is recommended that the respondents should belong to cooperative associations, and form effective linkage with agricultural extension agencies in the area. There is need to review the existing system of land acquisition and ownership in the area in order to give women greater access to and control of productive resources.

Keywords: Analysis, Participation, Women, Cassava, Production, Processing, Factors