Main Article Content

Gender differentials in adoption of cassava value addition technologies among rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria


G. Amadi
C.I. Ezeh
G.M.C Ibezim

Abstract

This study investigated adoption by gender of Cassava Value Addition Technologies (CVATs) in Imo State. It identified CVATs disseminated to farmers among other issues. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in the selection of respondents. A sample size of 150 cassava farmers comprising of 75 male and 75 female who have benefited from training in value addition to cassava roots organized by either government or private organizations in the state were involved in this study. Instrument for data collection was a set of structured and pre-tested  questionnaire. Results obtained indicate that eight major types of CVATs were disseminated which include those for making Garri, Cassava fufu flour, High quality cassava flour, Cassava chin chin, Cassava starch, Cassava cake, Cassava chips and Cassava bread. Adoption of CVAT by gender shows that the most adopted CVATs among the male cassava farmers in the study area were those for garri, with a mean adoption score value of 3.68, followed by cassava chips (mean = 3.37) and High quality cassava flour (mean = 3.34). Also, CVATs for garri and cassava fufu flour, with a mean adoption score value of 4.05 and 3.18 respectively were the most adopted by the women farmers in the study area. The result of the paired Z-test for difference in income level of the male cassava farmers before and after adoption of CVAT shows that the farm income increased (P ≤ 0.01) by 30.7% with adoption of CVATs but their monthly food expenditures did not. Farm income and monthly food expenditure levels of the female cassava farmers increased (P ≤ 0.01) by 68% and 13.8% with their adoption of CVATs. Hence, farmers should be empowered through provision of incentives such as credits as well as massive training among others while taking cognizance of gender issues.


Keywords: Farm income, Food expenditure, Garri, Cassava fufu flour and High quality cassava flour


Journal Identifiers


eISSN:
print ISSN: 0300-368X