Perceived Influence of Locust Beans Processing on the Income of Rural Women in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges in using African locus beans is the processing method, depriving many rural women of the opportunity to earn daily income. However, this study was conducted to determine the perceived impact of African locust bean processing on rural women's income in Asa and Ilorin East Local Government Areas. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 300 respondents. Primary data was collected using a structured interview schedule. The results showed that the majority of the respondents (71.2%) use traditional methods to process African locust beans. There was a positive and significant (p<0.05) relationship between earned income, perceived limitations and impact of African locust bean processing on rural women. Inadequate technical know-how (63.84%), low demand for African locust beans (62.32%), high cost of African locust beans seeds (23.56%), and high loan interest rate (16.34%) were found to be the main limitations in African locust beans processing. It was concluded that African locust bean processing has the potential to improve the economic situation of processors.