Commercialization of Pro Vitamin A Cassava Roots among Small-holder Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the level of commercialization of pro-vitamin A cassava among small-holder farmers, and estimate the determinants of commercialization and identify constraints to commercialization. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting samples. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 120 pro-vitamin A cassava producing households. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Household commercialization Index (HCL) and Ordinary Least Square Regression model. The results of the socioeconomic characteristics revealed that average age, household size, number of years spent in school and marketing experience of the respondents were 37years, 12 years, 3 persons and 9 years respectively. Linear regression estimate showed that sex, household size, membership of an association, marketing costs and level of education were significant at varied levels of probabilities. Major constraints identified were inadequate market stalls, perishability, low demand and inadequate funds among others. There is the need to intensify promotion and popularization activities of the nutritional value of pro-vitamin A cassava in the study area, this will stimulate demand, encourage production and commercialization. It is advocated that farmers are trained on how to add values to pro-vitamin A cassava through diversification and processing into various products. This will reduce wastage and distressed sales, thereby increasing income of pro-vitamin A cassava producing households.