CHALLENGES OF CASSAVA PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING AMONG RURAL WOMEN FARMERS IN GWER WEST LGA, BENUE STATE

Abstract

The study investigated the challenges of cassava production and processing among women farmers in Gwer West LGA, Benue State. Specifically, the study examined the nature of cassava production, the products of cassava processing, the contribution of cassava production and processing to the socio-economic status of farmers as well as challenges militating against effective cassava production and processing in Gwer West LGA, Benue State. Data for the study was collected using questionnaire and key informant interviews. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was employed in selecting 328 cassava producers and processors that constituted the respondents for the study. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, means and percentages. Findings revealed that, majority of the respondents were into cassava production, and some in processing that is to say that, the rate of cassava production in the area was high and more than half of them spend much their daily hours on the farm during the farming season. Cassava production and processing contributed positively on the socio-economic well-being of the farmers. Findings further revealed that the major challenge of the women was low capital due to unavailability of credit facilities, herders’ invasion, lack of access to adequate land. The study recommended the provision of credit facilities, should formation local bams and credit saving association, enhancement of security as well as the increase of  women’s access to land , to enable them carry out farm activities, farmers should use modern farming techniques in order to ensure bountiful production and processing of cassava.