Abstract
This study employed a choice model to examine the factors influencing the choice of post-harvest technologies in cassava starch processing, using a sample of five hundred and seventy (570) processors in the forest and guinea savanna zones of Nigeria. In addition, the profitability of various post-harvest technologies in the study area was assessed using the budgetary technique while the impact of improved post-harvest technology on processors’ revenue and output was analysed using the average treatment effect model. Sex of the processor, processing experience, income, and cost of post-harvest technology, the capacity of post-harvest technology and access to credit amongst others significantly influence the choice of post-harvest technologies. Although the use of improved post-harvest technology comes with a high cost, the net income from its use was higher than the other types of post-harvest technologies, suggesting that the use of improved techniques was more beneficial and profitable. In addition, using improved post-harvest technology had a positive and significant effect on output and income. These findings show that investment in improved post-harvest technologies by cassava starch processors and other stakeholders would increase income, thus, improving welfare.
Highlights
The potentials inherent in cassava processing is enormous
The mean age of 48 years indicates the youthful nature of the cassava starch processors which is an added benefit regarding the longevity of the trade and the inclination to innovation adoption
Cost of post-harvest technology and access to credit were some of the factors that determine the choice of post-harvest technologies in Nigeria
Summary
As a crop, if adequately harnessed, has the prospect of industrializing Nigeria. With an annual output of over 40 million metric tonnes, Nigeria is widely recognized as the largest producer of cassava in the world, accounting for over 70% of the total production in West Africa (Oguntade, 2013). Cassava is available all year round, and this makes it preferable to small-scale farmers and processors alike compared to other seasonal crops such as grains, peas, and beans which are only available at certain times of the year. Cassava products such as starch, ethanol, etc have both local and international demands, making cassava a highly valuable crop
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