Value Addition on Cassava Wastes among Processors in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the strategies used in cassava wastes value addition among cassava processors in Oyo State. Multistage sampling procedure was used to draw 110 cassava processors as respondents. Questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents, while data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Over half (57.3%) of the respondents had between 1 and 10 years of processing experience. Respondents had high knowledge on sun drying ( x̄=0.75) and compost making ( x̄=0.62) as cassava waste value addition strategies. Source of increased income ( x̄=0.97) was perceived to be a major benefit of value addition. High moisture content of cassava wastes ( x̄=1.64) and inadequate information on cassava waste utilisation processes ( x̄=1.61) were constraints to value addition practices. Sun drying ( x̄=1.87) and composting ( x̄=1.68) were the most utilised value addition strategies used. Significantly related to utilisation of cassava waste value addition were knowledge on biogas (r= 0.25), composting (r=0.10), fermentation (r= 0.55) and ethanol (r=0.19). Extension agent and government should sensitize and train cassava processors on cassava waste value addition.

Keywords: Cassava waste, Cassava processors, Value Addition