Gender Participation and Constraints in Cassava Production, Processing and Marketing in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Gender Participation and Constraints in Cassava Production, Processing and Marketing in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria *Mary O. Agada, Favour I. Onuche, Evangeline N. Mbah Abstract The study assessed gender participation and constraints in cassava production, processing and marketing in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 60 males and 60 females randomly selected cassava farmers from 6 villages using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that 75-93.3% males took part in cassava production operations whereas 66.7-75% females carried out the same activities. Results also showed that all females (100%) participated in peeling, washing, fermenting, grinding and packaging, and 95-98.3% took part in other processing activities compared to less than 79% males who participated in the same activities. Furthermore, respondents engaged in all marketing activities with females recording higher participation in sales of produce/products (96.7%), grading (93.3%), standardization of measurement (93.3%), among others while males participated more in assembling produce (85%). Both gender faced similar constraints and employed similar strategies for improving participation in cassava enterprises. The study concluded that more males than females participated in cassava production while a greater percentage of females took part in processing and marketing. It is recommended that research and extension should target both male and female cassava farmers with appropriate technologies and messages for improved participation in cassava value chain development, which should enhance their income and standard of living. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v6n1a7