Adoption of Cassava Processing Technologies among Rural Women in Shabu, Lafia Iga, Nasarawa state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the adoption of improved cassava processing technologies among rural women in Shabu, Lafia North development area of Nasarawa state. This project attempts to examine the extent to which cassava processed by rural women through improved cassava processing technologies will attract large market as well as exploration of potential constraints. To achieve the research objectives rural women (processors) in the three (3) district of Shabu Lafia North Development area of Nasarawa state through administration of structured questionnaire which was randomly selected throughout the three (3) district to give ninety (90) respondents for the study. Primary data were used for this study. The primary data collected from the respondents were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). All the objectives for the study were achieved using simple descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage while the null hypothesis was tested using logical regression model. The analysis indicated that most of the cassava processor are illiterate and result of the study also revealed that adoption of improved cassava processing technologies makes work easy. Furthermore, age and extension visit were significant to adoption at 1%. The major constraints identified include high cost of purchase (34.5%), lack of credit facility (41.1%), and maintenance (24.4%). Following recommendations, it is imperative for any policy aimed at improving cassava processing technologies as an income generating activity that can reduce poverty and unemployment among rural women should be formulated and adopted, it will enhance technology adoption.