Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Cassava Flour Processing in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed the socio-economic factors that influence cassava flour processing in Okene local government area of Kogi state, Nigeria. The study employed multistage sampling techniques and collected data with the aid of well structured questionnaire from 105 cassava flour processors.  The data were analysed with descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. The findings from the descriptive analysis showed that the majority (76.19%) were females while the minorities (23.81%) were males. The results revealed that the mean age, education level, household size, farm size and cassava processing experience were 39 years, 6.4 years, 6 persons, 2 hectares and 8 years respectively. The findings also revealed that majority of the cassava flour processors who do not belong to farmers' associations had access to cassava tubers, processing tools, water, market as well as means of transportation. The socio-economic factors that influenced cassava flour processing were: age of cassava flour processors, household size, and education level. Others are cassava flour processing experience, access to cassava tubers, access to processing tools and access to means of transportation. The study recommended that cassava flour processors should establish cassava farms and also join cassava farmer’s cooperatives. This is expected to increase their profit margin.