Efficency of cassava processing techniques among rural women in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study identified, and analysed the different methods being used by the women in cassava processing, examine stages and time spent on each operation. The study was carried out in Owerri Agricultural zone of Imo State, Southeast, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty women cassava processors were chosen at random from 15 communities. Data were gathered through the use of interview schedule. Percentages and means were used in the data analysis. Three cassava processing methods were identified namely modern, traditional and a hybridized trado-modern methods. Six processed cassava products were identified and these were produced after about 15 operational processes depending on the product which include gari, akpu, akara-akpu, tapioca, starch and flour. The time spent on producing any of the products depend on the technique of processing adopted. An average of eleven and eighteen hours was spent on processing 100 kg of cassava tubers into gari product using trado-modern and traditional methods, respectively. Twenty eight hours was spent in processing cassava tuber into tapioca using traditional methods. It was discovered that using trado-modern and modern methods in cassava tuber processing were more efficient in terms of output, labour input and costs than traditional method. However, there existed no modern technology that can kick start and complete cassava tuber processing into any of the six products without relying on the traditional method. It is recommended that our engineers should construct low cost processing equipment that will reduce both the time on each operation and the tedious nature of cassava processing.


(J Agric & Soc Res:2003 3(2): 84-96)