Garri Processing Research Articles

Economics Assessment of Garri Processing in Rivers state, Nigeria

Economics Assessment of Garri Processing in Rivers state, Nigeria

Perancangan Mesin Hammer Mill pada Aplikasi Pengolah Garri Mobile di PT. XYZ

This study presents the design of a mobile hammer mill machine for processing Garri, a popular cassava-based food product, at PT. XYZ. The objective of the research is to develop a compact and mobile solution that enables efficient Garri processing in remote locations. The design incorporates key features such as portability, robustness, and ease of operation, ensuring optimal performance and productivity. The proposed machine has the potential to enhance the Garri processing industry by providing a flexible and reliable solution for small-scale and mobile production units. The research obtained a hammer mill machine design that can be applied to the Garri processing AMMDes with dimensions of 1157 mm x 985 mm x 850 mm and the rotating parts can be covered.

Assessment of Post-Harvest Needs of Small and Medium Scale Gari Processors in Rivers State

Feeding over 7 million Rivers State dwellers requires a radical transformation in postharvest management of agricultural products. Garri, which is a product from cassava is one of the processed food widely consume in the state. However, primitive methods which result to a reasonable loss of the product are widely used in Rivers State. Therefore, in order to minimize or eliminate these losses within the system, the study was conducted to assess the needs of small and medium scale garri processors in Rivers State, Nigeria. Purposive and snow-ball sampling procedures were used to select 120 small and medium scale garri processors in the study area. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the respondents and analysed using both frequencies, percentages, mean and PPMC statistical tools. The result revealed that r - distribution which represents the Pearson correlation coefficient significant level of the variables is statistically significant at 1% (0.01) between time constraint and perception of garri processors that, improved garri processing equipment is better than primitive tools with r = 0.258**most of the respondents (Above 90%) confirmed that all the listed improved garri processing and storage equipment are highly needed in the study area. The local tools used in the study area for gari processing includes knives (100%) stick presser (81.7%) and Aluminium frying pan (88.3%). All (100%) of the respondents showed favourable attitude towards the needs for improved processing equipment. The constraints to garri processors include lack of fund, health challenges, and lack of improved garri processing equipment, time consumption, small processing capacity and spoilage of cassava with each mean above grand mean (2.6). Therefore, improved post-harvest equipment are highly needed for processing garri in the study area to improve production efficiency and high-income generation for the processors. Government intervention is needed to erect mini garri processing centre in each community.

Design and Construction of an Integrated Garri Processing Plant

Abstract: Garri is one of the most consumed foods in Nigeria today and it is majorly processed manually. This research focuses on the design, fabrication and testing of an integrated garri processing plant. It is made up of majorly the peeling/ washing, grinding, pressing, sieving, and frying units. The total time for the production of the garri is a combination of time for peeling, grating, pressing, sieving as well as frying and it is an average of 35.27mins. The efficiency of the machine on the average of three trials was found to be 70.5%

Preliminary characterization and probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in garri (cassava flake), a common staple food consumed in West Africa.

Garri from cassava is one of the most consumed foods in West Africa, hence this research was conducted to examine microplastics (MPs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in garri from Nigeria (West Africa) and Japan. This is the first investigation on MPs in garri samples that has been reported in the literature. The study analyzed both packaged and unpackaged vended garri samples using microscopic/spectroscopic and X-ray fluorescence techniques for MPs and PTEs respectively. Microplastic particles in the garri samples ranged from (or were between) 2.00±2.00 - 175.00±25.16 particles/50 with > 90 % as fragments and consisted of polyacrylamide, polyethylene terepthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride acrylonitrile, polyethylene chlorinated, polypropylene with silicate mix, polychloroprene and polyethylene chlorosulphonated. The mean concentration of PTEs raged from ND to 0.07 mg/g for Cr and Mn, 0.73 to 5.63 mg/g for Fe, ND to 0.57mg/g for Co, 0.23 to 1.21 mg/g for Ni, 0.15 to 1.53 mg/g for Cu, and 0.12 to 0.63 mg/g for Zn. However, their daily intake was low for both adult and children as with the MPs. The sources of MPs and PTEs were mainly from the garri production processes, atmospheric dusts and during packaging. The non-carcinogenic risk for all samples was low for MPs while in openly vended garri, Ni and Cr in all sample poses carcinogenic risks. There is a need to improve indigenous garri processing techniques to minimize contamination. This research emphasizes the critical necessity to understand the consequences of MPs on human health.

The mixture effect of propyl paraben and bisphenol A on the uterotrophic response in the ovariectomized rats after oral administration.

Recent studies reported bisphenol A (BPA) and propyl paraben (PrP) are found in human urine, blood, and breast milk samples as well as in food, packaging, socks, and clothes. This means that the two chemicals co-exist in consumer products, and humans are exposed simultaneously to the mixture chemicals. However, the studies on the mixture effects of the two chemicals on human health are not enough. This study was designed to elucidate the effects of orally administered PrP, BPA, and their mixture effects on the uterotrophic response using ovariectomized rats. In addition, the correlation between the uterotrophic response and tissue concentrations of the two chemicals was studied to investigate whether one chemical has any effect on the absorption, distribution, or excretion of the other chemical. Histopathology, hematology, and plasma biochemistry analysis were also performed to evaluate the chemicals' toxicological effects in the treated rats. Although a significant increase in uterus weight (absolute and relative) was observed in the positive chemical (17β-estradiol) treated group, there were no statistical differences in the uterus weight between the vehicle control and the chemical-treated groups. However, a slight increase in the endometrial glands and a change in the cuboidal to columnar epithelium of the endometrial epithelium were observed in the mixture-treated group. There was no significant toxicity in all treated groups by the hematology and plasma biochemistry analysis results. The results of tissue distribution showed that BPA was mostly detected in the liver while PrP was not detected in most tissues, and the BPA level was higher when the rats were treated with PrP than without PrP, suggesting that PrP may increase the absorption of BPA after oral administration.

Physico-Chemical Quality of Processed Nutrient-Dense Garri (NDG) from Pro-Vitamin A Cassava and Soybean

Garri is a popular and commonly consumed staple food in Nigeria especially among the Eastern and Southern Nigerians. It is nutritionally inadequate with main nutrient as carbohydrate. We examined the potential of yellow cassava fortification with soybean in the production of Nutrient dense garri (NDG) to improve nutrient quality of garri. Garri from three geographical locations in Nigeria serve as control. The Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), pH, and carotene content of the pro-vitamin A cassava decreased with processing. General linear model analysis of the functional properties returned F(11, :0.05) = 24175.5, 5.12, 7.51, 9.43, 7.45 and 346.30 that are all significant for pH, TTA, loose bulk density, packed bulk density, swelling capacity and gelatinous capacity respectively. Fermented NDG has the least mean HCN, the highest carotene and protein while unfermented NDG contained highest fat, fibre, ash and minerals. The study concluded and recommended fortification of yellow flesh cassava with soybean in garri processing to reduce malnutrition

FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF IMPROVED CASSAVA- GARRI PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN VANDEIKYA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed factors influencing adoption of improved cassava processing technologies: a case of cassava - garri processing among rural women in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 160 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire instrument and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The result revealed that the mean age of the farmers was 39 years with majority (94%) of them married. The result further showed that more than half (53%) had primary education with a mean household size of 9 persons and mean garri processing experience of 10 years. The mean annual income of the women was N90953 with majority (82%) not belonging to any cooperative society. The result further showed that only 18% of the respondents have had visits from the extension agents in the last two years and only 16% of the respondents accessed credit for their processing enterprise. Mechanical grater had the highest adoption level of 88% followed by the screw press (54%). This level of adoption can be regarded as low. Age (-.0489), years of processing experience (.0581), membership of cooperative society (.0588) and annual income (.3359) of processors were the factors that influenced farmers’ adoption of improved garri processing technologies in the study area. The major constraints to adoption of improved garri processing technologies were high cost of technology (83%), lack of awareness of some technologies (61%), lack of credit facilities (34%). The study recommends subsidization of these improved technologies so that processors could afford to purchase and make use of them. Awareness creation on the existence and importance of these technologies should be strengthened among cassava processors to enhance more adoption of the technologies.

Manufacture of Bio-ethanol from Waste Material (Cassava Peels) Utilizing Some Microbes

Introduction: There has been various report of the potential of manufacturing of bioethanol from the use of different microbial inoculants for the fermentation of different feedstocks has been previously described and carried out by various researchers. And bioethanol is considered as cheap and efficient biofuel, and environmentally friendly
 Aims: The aim of this study is to manufacture bio-ethanol from waste material; such as cassava peel, which would serve as an alternate source of fuel.
 Methodology: Cassava peels obtained from garri processing plant in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, were washed, sun-dried, grounded into powdery form and then sieved with 1.5 μ nylon sieve. The powdery cassava peels obtained was cultured using the following inoculant combinations: A = 20 g + Bacillus; B = 20 g + Pseudomonas; C = 20 g + Bacillus + Pseudomonas; D = 40 g + Bacillus; E = 40 g + Pseudomonas; F = 40 g + Bacillus + Pseudomonas; G = 20 g + Aspergillus niger; H = 20 g + Fusarium; I = 40 g + Aspergillus niger; J = 40 g + Fusarium. The control was free of inoculated organism. The cultures were subjected to distillation process for on the 21st day; and the quantity of bio-ethanol manufactured in each group was recorded.
 Results: The waste material (cassava peels) produced the highest bio-ethanol yield of 147 mL with A. niger, followed by the combination of Bacillus + Pseudomonas which yielded 108 mL of bio-ethanol. Low ethanol yields of 45, 83 and 94 ml/L were obtained from the cassava peels of in combination with Fusarium, Pseudomonas and Bacillus alone.
 Conclusion: Microbes of choice in this study displayed great potential for manufacturing of bio-ethanol from cassava peels.

Isolation, Identification and Mode of action of Partially Purified Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria in Fermented Cassava Grits

The study on the isolation, identification and mode of action of partially purified bacteriocin from lactic acid bacteria found in fermented cassava grits was carried out. Fermented cassava grits were collected from different garri processing plants and transported with cold box to the laboratory for analysis. The viable microbial count after the partially purified bacteriocin from the various lactic acid bacteria isolates were grown against the food borne bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) ranged from 0.98 x 103 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 6 at 8 hrs to 9.2 x103 CFU/ml for isolate 3 at 24 hrs. Similar results were obtained against Bacillus subtilis with microbial counts that ranged from 1.02 x102 CFU/ml for isolate 3 at 8 hrs to 9.2 x 102 CFU/ml at 24 hrs. Isolates 6, 7, 10 and 11 were bactericidal to both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis while isolate 3 was bacteriostatic. The viable microbial count after the partially purified bacteriocin was grown against the foodborne bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi) ranged from 1.0 x102 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 3 at 8 hrs to 7.1 x 102 CFU/ml for partially purified bacteriocin from isolate 6 at 24 hours. The microbial count against Salmonella typhi ranged from 6.50 x 102 CFU/ml for isolate 6 at 8 hrs to 8.5 x 102 CFU/ml for isolate 7 at 24 hrs. Partially purified bacteriocins from isolates 3 and 7 were bacteriostatic while isolates 6, 10 and 11 were bactericidal to Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. This result showed that the partially purified bacteriocins were very efficacious in killing or inhibiting the growth of some foodborne pathogens which can be applied in biopreservation.

Sustainability of Garri Processing: A Case Study of Ogun State, Nigeria

Garri is one of the most developed and convenient staple food commodities been produced from cassava in West Africa. To select the best method, garri production technology has been produced at different levels, this includes grating, fermentation, and dewatering. Producer of garri and edible starch is faced with the problem of the product price, limited information, and inadequate capital, lack of equipment, poor road, inadequate labour and water supply, long waiting time during grating, and some stages of processing. Limitation experienced by cassava processor includes lack of capital, inadequate power supply, the short lifespan of raw cassava tuber, long fermentation process, high cost of transportation, unstable price of garri. Result obtained from the constraints limiting garri processing in owode-yewa of Ogun state revealed that the short life span of raw cassava tubers is the most severe with 98%. This rating was followed by the unstable price of garri with 92%, long fermentation process with 67%, high transportation cost of inputs with 63%, while the lowest is the lack of access to information with an 8% plant layout. This study was able to provide scheduling operation of garri processing, the process of operation, maintenance of operation, plant layout, and come up with results that can be useful for other processing units in other countries.

Egg laying response of Arco black hen to garri chaff and cassava peel based diets

The need to optimize the utilization of garri processing by-products and improve the protein availability through egg production motivated this study. 165 Acro Black laying hen of 41 weeks old were grouped into five dietary treatments of 35 birds per treatment and five replicates of seven birds each. Layers' diets were compounded at 0%, 11.25%, 22.5%, 33.5% and 45% of garri chaff and 0%, 3.575%, 7.15%, 10.275% and 14.3% of sun dried cassava peel levels of inclusion. The diets and groups of birds were labelled A, B, C, D and E and the birds were fed with their corresponding diets for 6 consecutive weeks. Records of feed consumption and number of eggs laid were taken daily throughout the period of experimentation. The results showed that egg laying performance was of the order C>D>A>B>E among the dietary treatments. While egg laying performance hovered around 60% in the control treatment A, it increased from 57% to 86% in group C. Birds in treatment E had the least feed consumption and least egg laying performance. Weight increase of the birds at the end of the experimentation were of the order A>B>D>C>E. It was thus concluded that garri chaff and cassava peel appeared useful as ingredients in layers' diets at about equal quantity with maize and wheat offal, respectively but the feed should be adequately fortified with protein rich feedstuffs and the diets must be introduced early to avoid rejection by the birds.

Isolation, Screening and Time Course Study of Amylase-producing Fungi from Garri Processing Environment

Amylases (E.C.3.2.1.1) are enzymes which catalyze the breakdown of -1,4 glycosidic linkages of starch to simple sugars and different monomeric products. Microbial amylases are essential enzymes compared with animals and plants amylases in industrial applications. Thus, in southern Nigeria, garri processing waste-water from mills poses a serious environmental challenge and this situation could be exploited by utilizing microorganisms colonizing the area to manufacture microbial products. This present study was aimed at evaluating the potential of fungi isolated from garri processing environment for amylase secretion and conduct a time course study of the enzyme production. Fungi were isolated from the soil and waste water from garri processing sites using Standard Microbiological Procedures. The five fungi isolated from garri processing environmental samples were screened using Lugols iodine. Three fungal isolates were then selected on the hydrolysis of starch in qualitative zonation agar plates but one isolate named B among them was better in starch hydrolysis related to highest clear zone plates. After qualitative screening, the three hyper production amylase extracted fungi were identified according to the morphological characteristics. The hyper producing amylase isolate B was then identified as Aspergillus flavus (RCBBR_AEAFUN2) and recorded as a novel strain in southern Nigeria according to molecular characteristics, which was selected for further studies. The current results of time course study showed that the maximum growth (2.453 g) occurred after 24 h of incubation at pH 4.5 while maximum enzyme production (2.3 U/ml/min) was obtained after 96 h of incubation at pH 3.5. Therefore, the hyper producing amylase from garri processing sites, Aspergillus flavus (RCBBR_AEAFUN2) novel strain has great prospects for future biotechnological and industrial applications and help in ameliorating the environmental pollution posed by the waste-water.

Exposure to air pollutants and heat stress among resource-poor women entrepreneurs in small-scale cassava processing.

Exposure to air pollutants and heat stress from traditional cooking fires is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries globally and have an adverse effect on the environment. According to the World Health Organization, 3.8 million people die annually prematurely from illness related to household air pollution. Families living in poverty are at the highest risk, especially women and children. In this study, exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was measured among resource-poor women cassava processors. The test locations were chosen in the peri-urban settlements of Abeokuta in the Ogun State of Nigeria, where household women entrepreneurs roast garri (granulated cassava) for sale in the local market. The measurements were taken for two types of stoves which are generally existing in the study location. First, a rectangular stove (RS) with two operators and, second, a circular stove (CS) with one operator; both stoves used wood as fuel. The emissions were compared with a modern mechanical liquefied petroleum gas burner-based garri roaster (GS). Hours spent per day in front of garri stoves ranged from 6 to 12 h for both stoves, with a frequency of 1 to 3 days of operation per week. It was found that CS operators were spending significantly more time in producing garri, which is due to the low capacity of the CS. The average PM2.5 concentrations for RS and CS were 381 and 273 μg/m3, respectively, estimated to be 21 and 41 μg/m3 on an annual mean level basis. Similarly, for PM10, the mean concentration levels were 1580 and 594 μg/m3 for RS and CS, respectively. The annual mean levels for PM10 were about 89 μg/m3 for both types of stoves. CO exposure during garri processing was up to five times higher than the recommended concentrations with a 4-h mean of 48 and 50 mg/m3 for RS and CS, respectively. NO2 levels were very low, ~ 0 ppm. This investigative research concluded that wood-fired small-scale garri producers in Nigeria are exposed to very unhealthy levels of PM, CO and thermal stress. The concentration levels of both PM and CO were exceeding the global as well as Nigerian ambient air quality standard regulations. Along with air pollution, thermal stress was a significant issue, which is known to exacerbate the negative effect of air pollution on the human body.

Analysis of the profitability and credit accessibility among Garri processors in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria

This study examined profitability and credit accessibility among garri processors in Epe, Lagos State. Nigeria. It examined the profitability of garri processing enterprise and determined factors militating against credit access by garri processors in Epe. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the study area, first stage was the purposive selection of Epe, second stage was the random selection of two communities from each of the three zones in Epe LGA while the third stage involved random selection of 20garri processors from each community, totalling 120 processors. Ten (10) improperly filled question naires reduced the total to 110 Respondents sampled. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, profitability analysis and Logit model. The study revealed that more females (89.1%) than male (10.9%) were garri processors, as many as 68.2% married and 4.5% unmarried Respondents, and average household size of 6.The mean year of experience in garri processing is16. The average weekly total cost incurred by the Respondents was ₦33,531.39 while total revenue was ₦51,211.82. The Rate of Return on Investment (RRI) of 53% showed an earning of 53% profit on every naira invested. About 68.2% of Respondents did not belong to cooperative society. There was a low probability of credit acquisition to increase the production level of garri in the study area. The problems militating against credit accessibility in the study area include high interest rate, low income, no savings, non-membership in cooperative groups, and lack of information on credit availability. It is recommended that government should subsidize the cost of inputs for garri processors. The local government through Extension agents should embark on enlightenment programmes to educate the processors on modalities for credit accessibility and modern processing methods. There is also need for financial institutions to look into the conditions for obtaining credit by processors. Key words: Garri, Garri processors, Credit access, Profitability

Lung function abnormalities among garri processing workers in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Local production of garri (cassava crisps) is associated with air pollution and consequently lung function abnormalities among garri processing workers. This study was aimed at describing lung function abnormalities among Nigerians engaged in cassava crisps (garri) processing. A total of 351 workers and 351 controls were recruited at garri factories in Ogbomoso, Nigeria by multistage random sampling technique. Lung functional abnormalities were defined according to standardised European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guidelines. Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS statistics version 22.0. The mean age of patients was similar to that of controls (41.7 ± 14.9 vs. 41.6 ± 14.7 yearsP = 0.960). Larger proportion (46.2%) of cassava crisps factory workers had abnormal ventilatory function parameters compared to 6.8% in controls (P < 0.001). The mean peak expiratory flow among garri factory workers was significantly lower than that of the controls; 268.25 ± 86.20 versus 349.04 ± 97.21 (L/min) (P < 0.001), likewise the mean forced vital capacity (FVC) (litres) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) (litres) of garri factory workers and controls were significantly lower than those of the controls; 2.55 ± 1.07 versus 2.87 ± 0.79 (P < 0.001) and 2.00 ± 0.76 versus 2.41 ± 0.83 (P < 0.001) with FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.82 ± 0.16 versus 0.87 ± 0.06 (P < 0.001), respectively. The restrictive pattern of ventilatory functional abnormality was predominant among garri factory workers, 92 (26.2%). Sixty-two (17.7%) and 8 (2.3%) of garri factory workers had an obstructive and mixed pattern of ventilatory function abnormalities, respectively. Garri processing workers had significant ventilatory function impairment. Preventive strategies should be encouraged to reduce occupational hazards associated with garri processing in Nigeria.

Potentials of Chemical and Biological Hydrolysis of Agricultural Wastes in the Production of Ethanol, Single Cell Protein (SCP) and Vinegar

The potentials of Chemical (acid) and Biological (Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae) hydrolysis on some agricultural wastes, namely: peels from ripe plantain (RPP), unripe plantain (UPP), red cocoyam (RCP), white cocoyam (WCP), yam (YP), cassava (CP) and garri processing chaff (GPC) into beneficial by products (Ethanol, Single Cell Protein and Vinegar) were investigated using standard methods. Glucose yield ranged from 4.68-17.24mg/g, 2.41-13.84mg/g and 1.28-5.22mg/g for A. niger R. oryzae and Acid hydrolysis of the various wastes. Inoculating the hydrolysates with Saccharomyces cerevisiae yielded significant (p < 0.05) amount of ethanol after 120hrs, with significant (p < 0.05) reduction in glucose contents. Ethanol contents ranged from 3.82-6.89%, 3.74-6.44% and 3.28-6.25%, while the amount of single cell protein (SCP) obtained from the biomass after ethanol fermentation ranged from 9.10-15.80%, 7.50-13.11% and 6.00-10.20% for A. niger, R. oryzae and Acid hydrolysates respectively. The vinegar obtained after seven days fermentation of the alcoholic product had acetic acid concentrations ranging from 0.14-1.10%, 0.13-0.99% and 0.11-0.95% for A. niger, R. oryzae and acid treatments respectively. This study has shown usefulness of microbial methods of hydrolysis over the chemical treatment method, for improved yield of fermentation by products.

English

Garri as popularly known in Nigeria is a general food consumed by most people in Nigeria. It could be eaten by reconstituting it with hot water, stirred to form a thick paste and eaten with soup or stew. It could also be taken dried or mixed with cold water and sugar/milk, as a snack. As a part of check mating the public health risk associated with this general dependence of the population on garri, the bacteriological quality of garri sold in Owerri open market was examined with the aim of investigating the bacterial contamination of garri due to exposure in the market as well as establish the hygienic statue of garri taken as snacks by many Nigeria. To achieve this, a total of one hundred and ten (110) garri samples were collected from Eke-ukwu market, relief market, Eke-Mmegbu market, Orji market, IMSU gate market and some local garri processing factories within Oweri metropolis to serve as control. The samples were analyzed bacteriologically for viable heterotrophic bacteria and coliform bacteria counts on Nutrient and MacConkey agar respectively, using pour plate method. The mean value results from all the markets revealed high bacterial contamination, except from the factory. The resultant data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square to determine if there is a significant difference between the five markets. When calculated, the value of the five markets was 35.75 while the tabulated was 11.07. This implies that there was a significant difference between the five markets. Identified bacteria included: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidenmidis, Bacilus cerus, Escherichia coli and Klebsielia aerogenes. Isolation of these bacteria is a sign of danger, hence, Imo State government is advised to take measures such as making environmental sanitation a priority project in the state to save the lives of the citizens. Key words: Market, sample, snack, organism, contamination, Owerri.

Design Analysis of a Pedal Powered Cassava Grinding Machine

The purpose of this technical study was to do a design analysis in order to ascertain the performance and output capacity of a pedal powered cassava grinding machine that is very efficient and affordable for rural farmers (dwellers) who cannot afford petrol and diesel engines as a prime mover for garri processing. In the design, the human expended for an average age man of 70kg (1501b) at a cycling speed range of 16km/h - 24km/h or 233 r.p.m was used and after the analysis the efficiency and human power required to drive the shaft was calculated to be 56% and 1.02hp respectively. The machine which is very cheap and affordable is highly recommended for farmers as it can deliver an output capacity of 58:59kg of cassava per hour and can produce a mechanical advantage of 0.42 which is less than 1 as recommended under simple machines.

Motivation factors and constraints to the growth of small scale food processing enterprises in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

The study analysed motivation factors and constraints to the growth of small scale food processing enterprises in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. Forty small-scale food processors were purposively selected from the area. Questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The results of the study identified various types of food processing enterprises in the study area. Prominent among them were garri processing (20%), palm kernel cracking (20%) palm oil processing (17.5%). Majority (80%) of the processors undertook their type of enterprise by reason of generating greater income when compared with primary products. Majority (75.0%) of the processors reported inadequate capital as the major constraint facing the growth of small scale food processing in the area. Therefore, improvement in the infrastructures and accessibility to cheap credit facilities would create favourable environment and incentive for successful food processing entrepreneurship in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria.