Value Addition in Cassava Processing: Evidence from Women in Ilesa West Local Government Area of Osun State

To develop policies in addressing women problem in respect of their participation in cassava processing, the determinants and the level of their interest have to be adequately explored and understood. The study examined value addition to cassava in term of net return and factors influencing women interest in cassava processing in Ilesa West Local Government Area in Osun State. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 4 wards and 40 respondents were randomly selected within the L.G.A. using a structured questionnaire. The result shows that rate of investment on cassava processing was ₦0.39 indicated that for every ₦1 spend on cassava processing; ₦0.39 will be realized as profit. It is evident from the study that cassava processing is a profitable agricultural activity in the study area. The socioeconomic variables such as age, years of experience, income and membership in cooperative society contributed significantly to women interest in cassava processing in the study area. Years of experience and income are the main socio factor responsible for their interest in cassava processing. The major constraints to cassava processing in the area are heat from firewood. It is recommended that government through its research agencies should make available and affordable improved processing technology that is simpler to use for cassava processing more accessible.