INCOME GENERATION THROUGH CASSAVA VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS TO ACHIEVE ZERO HUNGER AMONG SMALL-HOLDER FEMALE FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

BY

AMANZE, PEACE CHIMARAUCHE

AND

ORGI, MICHAEL CHIKWENDU

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION

ALVAN IKOKU FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, OWERRI – IMO STATE

ucheamanze6@gmail.com

08037806908

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted specifically to ascertain the value added products from cassava, determine the profitability of the major value added products and identify the constraints faced by the small-holder female farmers in the study area. Data were obtained through interview schedule with a questionnaire and analyzed using the budgetary analysis and percentages. The result revealed that the major products produced by the female farmers were garri, fufu, tapioca and chips. The processing enterprise prove profitable with gross margins of N13,250, N19,975, N14,265 and N21,065 respectively, an indication of different profitability levels. Net production income (NPI) was as N13,250, N19,978, N14,265 and N21,065 respectively for garri, fufu, tapioca and chips production respectively. The net return on investment were N1,80, N3.40, N2.25 and N3.50 respectively for the various value added products indicating a profitable venture to tackle hidden hunger among the small-holder female farmers in the study area. The result equally showed that the major constraints to cassava production and processing enterprise included, low yield, lack of improved technology, high cost of inputs, tediousness associated with processing, hazards of smoke and injury during processing. It was recommended that the small-holder female farmers should be empowered by the government and non-governmental organization to have access to improved cassava varieties and technologies to enhance their productivity in production and processing of this important crop.

Key words: Income generation, processors, small holder, female farmers.