Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project focuses on the economics of processing cassava into garri and pellets in Kogi State, Nigeria. Cassava is a vital crop in Nigeria, providing a source of food and income for many households. Processing cassava into garri and pellets presents an opportunity to add value to the crop and increase its marketability. The study aims to analyze the costs and returns associated with processing cassava into garri and pellets in Kogi State. It will assess the profitability of both garri and pellets production, taking into account the costs of raw materials, labor, equipment, and other inputs. Additionally, the research will examine the market dynamics for garri and pellets in Kogi State, including price variations, demand trends, and competition. Understanding the market for these products is crucial for decision-making regarding production levels and pricing strategies. Furthermore, the study will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by cassava processors in Kogi State. This includes issues such as access to finance, infrastructure, technology, and market information. By identifying these challenges, the research aims to provide recommendations for improving the business environment for cassava processors in the state. Overall, this research project will contribute to a better understanding of the economics of processing cassava into garri and pellets in Kogi State. The findings will be valuable for policymakers, agricultural extension services, cassava processors, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. By improving the profitability and marketability of cassava products, this study has the potential to enhance the livelihoods of cassava farmers and processors in Kogi State, ultimately contributing to food security and economic development in the region.

Thesis Overview

This study was conducted to investigate the economics of cassava processing into garri andpellets in Kogi State. Data were collected from 100 cassava processors (22 males and 78females) and analysed to describe socio-economic characteristics, identify and describevarious technologies used in cassava processing, ascertain gender roles, estimate theinfluence of socio-economic characteristics on income of processors, determine profitabilityand identify constraints militating against the processors of cassava in the study area. Multistagerandom sampling techniques were employed in the selection of local government areas,communities and processors on who structured questionnaires were administered. Descriptivestatistics, gross margin, rate of return on investment and multiple regressions were used for

analysis.

Results shows that majority of the processing fell within the middle age group (31 –50 years) with an average years of processing experience of 22 years; mostly women with anaverage of 8 persons per household and 7 years of schooling. Traditional technologies wereemployed by the cassava processors with low level of men’s involvement relative to highinvolvement of women in cassava processing activities. Six out of nine explanatory variableswere significantly related to income. These include; age, gender, education, experience,access to credit and number of labourers in the cassava processing enterprise. Processingcassava into garri and pellets were profitable, although processing cassava into garri wasmore profitable with gross margin of 22,700 and profitable index (PI) of 0.04 than pelletswith gross margin of 13,100 with profitable index (PI) of 0.33. The major constraints facingthe cassava processors in the study area include: poor storage facilities, high cost ofprocessing inputs, poor road network for the transportation, bulkiness of fresh tubers,unstable weather and shortage of labour. The study therefore recommended that improvedcassava processing technologies should be made available to the processors to enhanceproductivity and acceptability of their products, capacity building of the cassava processorsfor their improved profitability in the cassava processing enterprise, regular visits byagricultural extension agents for quick adoption of improved cassava processingtechnologies, stabilization of prices of agricultural commodities through the provision of afunctional marketing channel and provision of storage facilities with good road network for

improved production