Value added cassava enterprises profitability assessment in Benue State, Nigeria
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Date
2010
Authors
Ater, P.I.
Lawal, W.L.
Ortese, K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication. University of Agriculture. Makurdi, Nigeria
Abstract
In a cluster sampling of three agricultural zones A, B and C in Benue State, six local government areas were purposively selected for a study in December 2007. The study aimed at profitability assessment in value - added cassava enterprises. One hundred and fifty value- added cassava enterprises respondents were randomly selected front the list of registered farmer cooperative societies by the Rural Institutions Department of Benue State Agricultural Rural Development Authority (BNARDA). Majority of the respondents were low -scaled with size holdings of half to one hectare. The small enterprise holding produced lower margins. Specific monetary values were: #90,650, #85,690 and #86,000 for garri, chips, chunks and grated cassava (Akpu) respectively. There was significant difference at 95% level in the gross margin of garri enterprise compared to chips/chunks and rated cassava (Akpu). Chi-square analysis repealed that value –added cassava enterprises were profitable. The Benue State value- added investors are predominantly small-scale with the majority (60%) of the respondents producing one hectare of cassava. Major constraints identified were inadequate capital base, non availability and high cost of inputs, poor prevailing market prices, poor processing storage infrastructures as well as illiteracy (38%) of household heads and members. The study recommends financial empowerment of producers, provision of improved markets, as well as provision of processing and marketing infrastructures in rural settlements.
Description
Scholarly Article
Keywords
Assessment , Capital base , Grated cassava , Profitability , Value added cassava enterprises , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Education
Citation
Ater P.I., Lawal, W. L. & Ortese, K. (2010). Value added cassava enterprises profitability assessment in Benue State, Nigeria. Journal of Rural Development, Agriculture and Science, 1(1), 103-108.