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Baseline Study of Cassava Seed Business Among Youths in Anambra State, Nigeria: A Gender Situation Analysis

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Abstract

The study assessed baseline study of cassava seed business among youths in Anambra State, Nigeria: a gender situation analysis. The specific objectives were to; identify the level of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths, estimate the level of market orientation among male and female youths in cassava seed business, ascertain the significant differences in total area of the farm, area of cassava farm planted and bundles harvested among male and female youth farmers, identify the determinants of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths and estimate the factors constraining youths’ participation in cassava seed business. Primary data were collected randomly from 60 male and 60 female cassava farmers using a structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data were analyzed using statistical tools such as, descriptive statistics, Z-test and regression analysis. From the findings, the average mean age of both female and male farmers was 30 and 18 years. Results also shown that the majorities (71%) of the female youths participated in weeding of cassava farm while 78% of the male youths engaged in pest and disease management. However, 65% of the male youths planted 1.3ha of cassava stems, 81% of the female youths planted 2.2ha of cassava stems, male youth farmers in the study sold 62% of the average 340 bundles of cassava quantity produced within a year while 75% of the average quantity of 520 bundles of cassava produced within a year was sold by the female youth farmers. The finding also shown that there is a significant difference in total area of the farm, area of cassava farm planted and bundles harvested among male and female youths in the study area. As regards to the determinants of the level of participation in cassava seed business, only five variables were found to be statistically related to the factors influencing the level of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths. Those variables were educational level, access to credit, family size, farm size and income. The major constraints to cassava seed business were flooding, disease and pest attack, fire outbreak, drought problems, high cost of labour, high cost of inputs, poor road network, high cost of cassava seeds, Too much attention on other crops, dryness and perishability of the seeds respectively. Both genders faced different constraints with two similar constraints such as flooding and pest and diseases. Therefore, there is a need to employ various strategies for improving participation in cassava seed enterprises. The study concluded that both males and females participated actively in cassava production while a greater percentage of females took part mostly in planting and weeding. It is recommended that research and extension should target both male and female cassava farmers with appropriate technologies that will improve their participation in cassava value chain development to enhance their income, standard of living and provide employment. There is also need to work on the important constraints militating against cassava seed production for increased participation and production of cassava seed thereafter.
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Global Journal of Research in Agriculture & Life Sciences
ISSN: 2583-4576 (Online)
Volume 04 | Issue 04 | July-Aug. | 2024
Journal homepage: https://gjrpublication.com/gjrals/
Original Research Article
Baseline Study of Cassava Seed Business Among Youths in Anambra State, Nigeria: A Gender
Situation Analysis
*UDEMEZUE, J.C.1, OKOYE, B.C2, KANU, A.N.3, And OKOYE, A.C.4
1,2,3,4National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, PMB, 7006 Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.12774861 Submission Date: 25 May 2024 | Published Date: 19 July 2024
*Corresponding author: UDEMEZUE, J.C.
National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, PMB, 7006 Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study assessed baseline study of cassava seed business among youths in Anambra State, Nigeria: a gender
situation analysis. The specific objectives were to; identify the level of participation in cassava seed business among
male and female youths, estimate the level of market orientation among male and female youths in cassava seed
business, ascertain the significant differences in total area of the farm, area of cassava farm planted and bundles
harvested among male and female youth farmers, identify the determinants of participation in cassava seed
business among male and female youths and estimate the factors constraining youths participation in cassava seed
business. Primary data were collected randomly from 60 male and 60 female cassava farmers using a structured
questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data were analyzed using statistical tools such as, descriptive
statistics, Z-test and regression analysis. From the findings, the average mean age of both female and male
farmers was 30 and 18 years. Results also shown that the majorities (71%) of the female youths participated
in weeding of cassava farm while 78% of the male youths engaged in pest and disease management. However, 65%
of the male youths planted 1.3ha of cassava stems, 81% of the female youths planted 2.2ha of cassava stems, male
youth farmers in the study sold 62% of the average 340 bundles of cassava quantity produced within a year while
75% of the average quantity of 520 bundles of cassava produced within a year was sold by the female youth
farmers. The finding also shown that there is a significant difference in total area of the farm, area of cassava farm
planted and bundles harvested among male and female youths in the study area. As regards to the determinants of
the level of participation in cassava seed business, only five variables were found to be statistically related to the
factors influencing the level of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths. Those
variables were educational level, access to credit, family size, farm size and income. The major constraints to
cassava seed business were flooding, disease and pest attack, fire outbreak, drought problems, high cost of labour,
high cost of inputs, poor road network, high cost of cassava seeds, Too much attention on other crops, dryness and
perishability of the seeds respectively. Both genders faced different constraints with two similar constraints such as
flooding and pest and diseases. Therefore, there is a need to employ various strategies for improving participation
in cassava seed enterprises. The study concluded that both males and females participated actively in cassava
production while a greater percentage of females took part mostly in planting and weeding. It is recommended that
research and extension should target both male and female cassava farmers with appropriate technologies that will
improve their participation in cassava value chain development to enhance their income, standard of living and
provide employment. There is also need to work on the important constraints militating against cassava seed
production for increased participation and production of cassava seed thereafter.
Keywords: Gender, male and female Youths, Cassava production, and Socioeconomic characteristics.
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INTRODUCTION
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is the most important tropical root crops that provide food and income for over 30
million people (Apata, 2019). Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world with an annual output of about 63
million metric tons (FAO, 2020). Cassava is grown in all the ecological zones in Nigeria. It is cultivated in almost all the
States in Nigeria. However, the production is very much dominated by small scale farmers who use old and local
varieties and traditional production technologies which largely accounts for low yield. Oyebanji et al. (2003) in Madu,
Okoye, Ewuziem and Onyeka, (2022), noted that these small-holders account for over 80% of cassava production in
Nigeria. Therefore, over 90% of cassava produced in the country is consumed locally with less than 10% utilized for
industrial purpose.
However, the proportion of income obtained from cassava farming in Nigeria is higher than that obtained from
another major staple (Henri-Ukoha and Ikpe,2018).
Gender refers to socially constructed role differences between men and women for the purpose of allocating
powers, duties, status, responsibilities and roles in any given social context (Amadi and Eze,2019). It determines what is
expected, allowed and valued in a woman or a man in a given context. In the most societies, there are differences and
inequalities between women and men in the responsibilities assigned, activities undertaken, access to and control over
resources, as well as decision-making opportunities (United Nations Women Watch (UNWW), 2017).
Gender analysis will help for a better understanding of the needs and priorities of different people, both men and
women, by clarifying how gender intersects with class, age, religion, ethnicity and other social factors. Gender situation
can help predict which producers are likely to benefit from the introduction of a new project, especially when market
demand increases that is likely to lead to large-scale, more intensive production systems. Such an analysis can identify
interventions to ensure that women, who are likely to be disadvantaged by socioeconomic and cultural factors, are not
marginalized or displaced by increased commercialized of cassava seed system (Madu, Okoye, Ewuziem and Onyeka,
2022).
The role of seed systems cannot be underestimated, since seed is essential to food security and also the first link in
the food value chain (Madu, Okoye, Ewuziem and Onyeka, 2022). Hence, good quality cassava seed is essential for high
quality cassava products. Despite the contributions of youths to household agriculture, there is a little empirical data to
back up cassava seed business. Based on this, an assessment on the level of youth’s participation in cassava seed business
becomes relevant and this remains necessary in order to design appropriate intervention policies and strategies to move
the country forward (Jirgi, Adebayo, Abdullahi, Ibrahim, Coker,2019). In view of this, the study assessed the baseline
study of cassava seed business among male and female youths in Anambra State, Nigeria: a gender situation Analysis.
The specific objectives were to;, identify the level of participation in cassava seed business among male and female,
estimate the level of market orientation among male and female youth in cassava seed business, determine the significant
differences in area of cassava planted, bundles harvested ,bundles sold and market orientation between male and female,
identify the determinants of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths and ascertain the
factors constraining male and female youths participation in cassava seed business.
Materials and methods
The study area for this research is Anambra State. The State is located in the South East of Nigeria. It is bounded by
Delta State to the West, Imo State to the South, Enugu State to the East and Kogi State to the North. The State lies on the
longitude 60 35E and 7E and latitude of 50 38N and 60 47E. The target population for this study was cassava seed farmers in
the State. Multistage sampling techniques were used for this study. Four local governments out of 21 local governments
in Anambra State were selected due to their popularity in cassava production and seed marketing. Ayamelum, Anambra
East, Anambra west and Ogbaru local government were selected. In the second stage, two communities each from a local
government were selected. Here Omor and Umumbo in Ayamelum Local Government, Igbariam and Umuoba Anam in
Anambra East,Nzam and Iyi Ora Anam in Anambra west , Atani and Osamala in Ogbaru Local Government were
purposely selected. These gave a total of eight (8) communities. Third stage, 15 farmers were selected from each
community using simple random techniques and this gave a total sample size of 120 respondents. Data were collected
through a structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGA). Data collected for the research were analyzed
using statistical tools such as, descriptive statistics, Z-test and regression analysis.
Model specification:
The model for the factors influencing participation of male and female youths in cassava seed business is expressed as
follows:
Y=(X1,X2,X3,X4,X5,X6,X7,----------X10)+e
Where
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Y=quantity of seed produced
X1 = age in years.
X2 = purchase price (N)
X3 = education level
X4 = marital status, (single = 0,
Married=1and widow/divorce)
X5 = family size (measured by the
Number of people living under one roof)
X6 = farming experience (years)
X7 = access to credit
X8 = farm size
X9 = transportation cost (N)
X10 = income (N)
Results and Discussion
Socio-economic characteristics of farmers
Findings of the study indicated that majorities (51.2% and 46.7%) of the farmers (male and female youths) were within
the age range of18-25 years. The average mean age of both female and male farmers was 30 and 18 years. This implies
that majority of the farmers were still in their productive years, although the females (30yrs) were older than their male
(18yrs) counterparts. The implication is that these younger farmers are likely to adopt new innovation faster than the
older ones in cassava production. This finding agrees with those of Madu et al (2022) which said that younger people are
more technically efficient, effective and could with stand the stress and strain involved in cassava production. However,
51.7% and 41.7% of male and female cassava seed farmers were married. This shows that cassava production in the area
is a business of married individuals, who are seen to be responsible according to societal standards (Ohen et al., 2014;
Onumadu et al., 2014 and Madu et al, 2022). This finding is in line with Madu et al (2022) that married farmers tend to
have access to production variables such as land and large family size which are traditionally owned and provided by
household heads to compliment family labour. These enhance production; reduce the cost of hired labour and resource
use efficiency of the farmers.
Moreover, the majority (41.7% and 48.3%) of the farmers (male and female youths) acquired primary education
while 16.7% and 15.0 of the farmers (male and female youths) had no formal education. According to Okoye et al
(2004), cited by Amadi and Eze (2019), education has the capacity to influence people to accept new technology and
change their attitude to the desired technology. Therefore, higher level of education generates additional intellectual
capital stock which may in turn, lead to increased potential for skills acquisition during participation (Amadi and Eze,
2019). This finding is in agreement with the findings of Emerole et al., (2014) that female farmers attained higher
education than males in Udi LGA of Enugu State. The average mean household sizes for males and females farmers were
5persons. This implies that both male and female farmers have a high family size that can give a helping hand in cassava
seed business in the study area. The highest proportion of labour engaged in cassava production and processing in our
rural areas comes from the family, hence it is expected that, a household with higher household size is likely to have
more helping hands (Amadi and Eze, 2019). Therefore, it is important to note that large household sizes assist in
providing family labour for cassava farmers, thus leading to a more efficient use of resources and higher output. On the
other hand, the average farm size for male and female cassava farmers was 2.2ha and 2ha with an average farming
experience of 5.9 years and 5.7years respectively. This implies that farmers in the study area are still small scale
farmers. In terms of experience, majority of the farmers had long years of farming experience that can facilitate cassava
seed business. This indicates that experience in agribusiness enhances output performance. This finding agrees with
Madu et al, (2022) who reported that farmers’ with more experience would be more efficient, have better knowledge of
climatic conditions, better knowledge of efficient allocation of resources and market situation and are thus, expected to
run a more efficient and profitable enterprise. It also supports the findings of Esiobu et al. (2014) who noted that previous
experience in agribusiness management enables farmers to set realistic time and cost targets, allocate, combine and
utilize resources efficiently and identify production constraints.
Table_1: socio-economic characteristics of cassava seed business farmers
Male(n=60)
Female(n=60)
Variables
Frequency
Mean
Frequency
Percentage
Mean
Age
18-25
29
25
41.7
26-35
15
18 years
16
26.7
30 years
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36-45
16
19
31.7
Marital
status
Married
31
28
46.7
Single
15
17
28.3
Widow
10
10
16.7
Separated
4
5
8.3
Farm size
0.5-1ha
30
35
58.3
2-3ha
15
2.2ha
12
20
2ha
4-5ha
12
9
15.0
6-7ha
3
4
6.7
Farming
experience
1-5 years
27
31
51.7
6-7 years
18
13
21.7
8-9 years
5
8
13.3
10-11years
7
5.9 years
3
5.0
5.7 years
12-13 years
3
5
8.3
Educational
level
Non formal
education
10
9
15
Primary
school
25
29
48.3
Secondary
school
15
17
28.3
OND/NCE
3
2
3.3
First
degree/HND
4
2
3.3
M.Sc/Ph.D
3
2
3.3
Household
size
1-5
29
35
58.3
6-7
11
9
15.0
8-9
13
4.8 persons
10
16.7
5.3 persons
10-11
5
3
5.0
12-13
2
3
5.0
Extension
visits
Yes
40
35
58.3
No
20
25
41.7
Membership
of
organization
Yes
50
45
75.0
No
10
15
25.0
Source: Field work, 2023.
Level of participation in cassava seed business
In terms of level of participation in cassava seed business, a greater proportion (68%) of male farmers participated in land
clearing while 40% of their female counterpart participated in land clearing. This implies that male dominated the
activities of land clearing in cassava seed business. According to Madu et al (2022), Land clearing requires strength, so
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women are not all that energetic to perform such duties and because of it, they rely on male youth and hire labour to
carry out such jobs. Women can only clear farm lands if they could not find a man or male youth to do the work. In
terms of planting, 71% of the female farmers dominated the activities while 38% of the male farmers involved in the
activities. Results show that all the gender groups are involved in planting cassava but women play a dominant role. This
finding is in consonance with Madu et al (2022), who said that female farmers dominated the activities of cassava plating
in their study. However, the majority (62%) of the female youths participated in weeding of cassava farm while 48% of
male farmers engaged in weeding activities. According to Madu, et al (2022) Women’s involvement in planting are
highly pronounced when the traditional methods of planting (planting on flat) cassava is practicing. In terms of
mechanical method of cassava farming, planting on ridges is likely involved; therefore, men will likely be involved in
planting. Majority (62%) of the female farmers dominated the weeding activities while male contributed little compared
to their female counterpart in the study area. Manual weeding is another activity that is mostly performed by women.
This activity is a major constraint to women participation in farming generally when it comes to large scale cassava farm
owners. Weeding is however, complimented with herbicide application which is usually done by male youths. Therefore,
over 83% of this activity is performed by men, but women fetch water that is used in the operation. This activity requires
some level of physical ability to perform because the knapsack tank has to be carried at the back of the operator. Women
may not find this activity an easy task to perform; they therefore rely on the men and male youths to discharge the duty.
More so, 78% of the male youths engaged in pest and disease management while the majority (58%) of the female
counterpart involved in selling of the stems. As regards to stem harvest, 60% of the male farmers participated in stem
harvesting while 45% of their female involved in the same activities.
Table_2: Rate of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths
Male
Female
Activities
Percentage
Percentage
Land preparation
68
40
Planting of cassava seed
38
71
Weeding
48
62
Pest and disease management
78
35
Harvesting of stems
60
45
Transporting of the stems to market
50
29
Selling of the stems in the market
48
58
Source: Field work, 2023.
Level of market orientation in cassava seed business among male and female youths
In explaining the level of market orientation among cassava seed farmers in the study area, we employed household
market orientation index. In this case, we distinguished between households that produce cassava stems for market from
those made for replanting. The findings of market orientation index reflect that land allocation for cassava seed was
designed for profit maximization. Specifically, on average, 65% of the male youths planted 1.3ha of cassava stems, while
81% of the female youths planted 2.2ha of cassava stems. As the average market orientation index for male and female
youths for cassava seed production is 0.65 and 0.81 respectively. This implies that male and female youth farmers in the
study have a real market orientation that can help them speed up their cassava seed business.
Analysis from table3 below also shows that 55% of the male youths harvested an average yield of 405 bundles of
cassava in a year while 65% of the female youths harvested an average yield of 610 bundles of cassava seed in a year.
The implications may be female youth farmers have more market orientation than their male counterpart and that could
be the reasons they harvested more cassava stems than males. Results from computed cassava seed marketability index
indicate that male youth farmers in the study sold 62% of the average 340 bundles of cassava quantity produced within a
year while 75% of the average quantity of 520 bundles of cassava produced within a year was sold by the female youth
farmers to commercialize their business as well. The implication of this is that, the male cassava seed farmers are
considered moderately commercialized as their sales’ percentage is above the midpoint but less than the threshold level
of 75%. According to Goletti (2005) and Ohen et al. (2013) in Osmani and Hossain (2016), farmers (small or large) are
said to be commercial if they sell more than 75% of their total production.
Table_3: level of market orientation in cassava seed business among male and female youths
Male
Female
Variables
%
%
Average area of land planted with
cassava seeds
1.3ha 65
2.2ha 72
Average area of land planted with
0.6ha 40
0.9ha 52
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other crops
Average quantity of cassava bundles
harvested in a year
405bundles 55
610bundles 65
Average quantity of cassava bundles
sold in a year
340bundles 62
520 bundles 75
Source: field work, 2023.
Estimation of the significant differences in total farm size, areas of cassava planted and
bundles produced between male and female youths.
The finding of the study also shown that there is a great significant difference in total farm size, area of cassava planted
and bundles of cassava produced between male and female youths in the study area.
Table_4: Estimation of the significant differences in total farm size, areas of cassava planted
and bundles produced between male and female youths.
Items
Mean
Std.dev.
Z-Test
Total farm size
Male
2.7966
0.7607
5.6120*
Female
2.2034
0.4059
Cassava farm size
Male
2.2054
0.4098
15.2370*
Female
0.5932
0.4955
Number of cassava bundles
produced
Male
452.5424
97.12404
0.180*
Female
449.1525
98.91285
Source: field work, 2023.
Determinants of level of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths
Table 5 and 6 indicated that out of the various variables investigated as regards to the determinants of the level of
participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths in the study area, only five variables were found to
be statistically related to the factors influencing the level of participation in cassava seed business Those variables were
educational level, access to credit, family size, farm size and income.
Educational level
The coefficient for the educational level was negative and this implies that individuals with higher educational attainment
are usually participated heavily in cassava seed business while those with lower education tend to participate lower in the
same business. The findings signified that the farmers have minimal educational background that is relevant for being
market oriented. It is expected that educational attainment will contribute significantly to decision making of a farmer for
being market oriented and participated well in cassava seed business. This finding is line with Chukwu (2015) and
Esiobu and Onubuogu (2014), who said that education is one of the factors that influences the participation in market
orientation and cassava seed business.
However, an increase in the level of education of the farmers can result in an increased level of commercialization
of the farm enterprise. This is in line with a priori expectation as educated farmers are flexible and can adopt good
changes and new improved technologies that can enhance their level of commercialization. Therefore, level of education
of a farmer does not only increase his productivity, but also enhance his ability to understand, evaluate and adopt new
production techniques (Iheke, Onu and Egem,2021).
Access to credit
The coefficient for credit availability was negative and significant. This implies that farmers participate heavily once they
have access to obtain loan but may reduce their rate of participation when the opposite becomes the case. Credit could be
used to purchase inputs (planting material, fertilizer and seeds), pay wages and invest in machinery, among others. The
availability of credit is expected to lead to increased agricultural productivity and greater participation in cassava seed
business.
Income
The coefficient of income is positively significant and indicates that increase in income will lead to an increase of being
market oriented and participation on cassava seed business among youth famers. The income received associated with
the procurement of inputs and farmers' well-being is expected to encourage market orientation and participation in
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cassava seed business. Income is positively related to probability of adoption and participation in cassava seed business.
This finding agrees with Iheke, Onu and Egem (2021) who said that income is positively related to participation in
market orientation and cassava seed enterprise.
Farm size
Farm size is one of the determinants of participation among youth farmer in cassava seed business. The farmers with
large farm size are more capable to adopt and participate more in cassava seed business than those who have little access
to farm. Therefore, the positive influence of farm size on the determinants implies that the larger the farm size, the more
utilization and participation in cassava seed enterprise among youth farmers. This fining is in line with Udemezue,
Nwalieji and Nenna (2017) who saw large farm size as one of the determinants of participation in rice farming in
Anambra State.
Family size
Family size is another variable that determines the participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths
in the study area. The coefficient of family size in this regard is positive for male youth farmers and this implies as the
number of family size increases, the participation of labour force in cassava seed business also increases provided that all
things being equal. For female youth farmers the coefficient of family size is negative and this indicates that the number
of labour force that will participate in cassava seed business will as well decrease all things being equal. This also implies
that the contribution of explanatory variables is inversely proportional to dependent variable. Therefore, family size could
be positively or negatively related to participation in cassava seed business.
Table_5: Determinants of the level of participation in cassava seed business among male
youths.
Model
Unstandardized Coefficients
Standardized
Coefficients
T
Sig.
B
Std. Error
Beta
(Constant)
1378.467
24.135
57.114
.000
Educational level
-291.988
15.891
-3.276
-18.374
.000
Access to credit
-565.321
49.843
-2.673
-11.342
.000
Family size
120.666
3.885
2.294
31.063
.000
Income
236.242
17.893
.423
6.840
.000
Farm size
494.709
38.081
3.592
12.991
.000
Source, Field work, 2023. R2=0.983, Adjusted R2=0.980
Table_6: Determinants of the level of participation in cassava seed business among female
youths
Model
Unstandardized Coefficients
Standardized
Coefficients
T
Sig.
B
Std. Error
Beta
(Constant)
331.739
92.128
3.601
.001
Access to credit
-145.849
24.287
-.731
-6.005
.000
Family size
-51.252
7.397
-1.032
-6.929
.000
Income
53.883
30.243
.739
5.880
.000
Source: Field work, 2023. R2=0.913, Adjusted R2=0.901
Constraints to effective participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths
Findings of the study identified the constraints to cassava seed business as follows: Flooding, disease and pest attack, fire
outbreak, draught problems, high cost of labour, high cost of inputs, poor road network, high cost of cassava seeds, too
much attention on other crops, dryness and perishability of the seeds. In terms of ranking as regard to the constraints to
male and female cassava seed business, flooding and disease/pest attack were ranked first and second as the common
constraints that affect cassava seed production in the study area. Other constraints were identified and ranked differently
based on the perception and prevailing factors between male and female youth farmers in the study area. This finding is
line with Ukeje et al (2020) who identified pests and diseases, high production cost and poor road network as the
constraints working against cassava production business in South East, Nigeria.
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Table_7: Constraints to effective participation in cassava seed business among male youths
Male
Female
Variables
Mean
Ranking
Variable
Mean
Ranking
Flooding
3.90
1st
Flooding
3.23
1st
Disease/pest
infestation
3.72
2nd
Disease/pest
attack
2.79
2nd
High cost of
inputs
2.90
3rd
Fire outbreak
2.67
3rd
Inadequate
buyer
2.42
4th
Drought
problems
2.40
4th
lack of access
to credit
2.40
5th
High cost of
labour
2.39
5th
Too much
attention on
other crops.
2.39
6th
High cost of
inputs
2.35
6th
Transportation
cost.
2.22
7th
Poor road
network
2.20
7th
Poor road
network
2.20
8th
High cost of
cassava seeds
2.18
8th
Source: Field work, 2023.
CONCLUSION
The baseline study of cassava seed business among youth farmers in Anambra State shown that the average mean age of
both female and male farmers was 30 and 18 years. However, the majorities (71%) of the female youths participated in
weeding of cassava farm while 78% of the male youths engaged in pest and disease management. However, 65% of the
male youths planted 1.3ha of cassava stems while 81% of the female youths planted 2.2ha of cassava stems. Results from
computed cassava seed marketability index indicate that male youth farmers in the study sold 62% of the average 340
bundles of cassava quantity produced within a year while 75% of the average quantity of 520 bundles of cassava
produced within a year was sold by the female youth farmers to commercialize their business as well. The finding also
shown that there is a significant difference in total area, area of cassava farm planted and bundles harvested among male
and female youths in the study area. As regards to the determinants of the level of participation in cassava seed business,
only five variables were found to be statistically related to the factors influencing the level of participation in cassava
seed business among male and female youths. Those variables were educational level, access to credit, family size, farm
size and income. The major constraints to cassava seed business were flooding, disease and pest attack, fire outbreak,
drought problems, high cost of labour, high cost of inputs, poor road network, high cost of cassava seeds, Too much
attention on other crops, dryness and perishability of the seeds respectively. The findings call for policy interventions
aimed at increasing cassava production by supporting for more involvement of the male and female youths in cassava
seed production. There is also need to work on the important constraints militating against cassava seed production for
increased participation and production of cassava seed. Gaps in gender participation in cassava seed production
according to the study can be addressed by policy measures that advocate for more equal involvement in cassava seed
business. In order to address these gaps, male and female cassava farmers in the area should be given unrestricted access
to productive resources as a way of exploiting their potentials in cassava production through the establishment of gender-
based cassava development programs as to address the disparities in cassava seed business. It is also recommended that
research and extension should target both male and female cassava farmers with appropriate technologies that will
improve their participation in cassava value chain development to enhance their income, standard of living and provide
employment.
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CITATION
UDEMEZUE, J.C., OKOYE, A.C., KANU, A.N., & OKOYE, B.C. (2024). Baseline Study of Cassava Seed Business
Among Youths in Anambra State, Nigeria: A Gender Situation Analysis. In Global Journal of Research in
Agriculture & Life Sciences (Vol. 4, Number 4, pp. 19). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12774861
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Article
Full-text available
The study analysed gender differentials in the cassava seed system among entrepreneurs in southern Nigeria to proffer policies for growth and sustainable cassava seed systems. A multi-stage and purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Village seed entrepreneurs (VSEs) and cassava farmers in the cassava seed network of the BASICS project in 4 States were sampled in the first stage. Data were collected with interview schedules for individual interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The results show that the different gender groups compliment each other in the roles they play. Among the most important drivers of seed demand include; big roots size/ yield (67.56%) and (60.97%) for the male and female cassava farmers respectively), among the male was income generation (17.14%) and yield good gari quality for the female (31.70%), followed by high starch content (17.14%) for male and female (22.85). The profitability analyses show that for every N1.00 spent in cassava seed production, about N0.92 (male) and N0.90 (female) were generated, while N1.50 (male) and N1.32 (female) were generated for root production. The seed flow system shows that both male and female cassava farmers receive seed from various channels but at varying levels. The results call for policy issues targeted at increasing cassava production by advocating for more involvement of the women in seed production and increased access to and control of finance. There is also need to mitigate important constraints militating against cassava seed production for increased participation and production of cassava seed.
Article
Full-text available
This study was conducted to analyze the economics of pineapple marketing in Owerri Municipal Council Area, Imo State, Nigeria. The study identified socio-economic characteristics of pineapple marketers, ascertained marketing channels, determined effects of socio-economic characteristics on profit margins, determined the marketing margin, ascertained the marketing efficiency, examined the costs, return and profitability of pineapple marketing and identified the constraints associated with pineapple marketing. Three markets from the study area were selected for this study. Sample size comprised 60 household pineapple marketers. Structured questionnaire were used in the collection of data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, gross income analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings revealed that pineapple marketing embraced more of able young persons as the mean age was found to be 34.12years. Results also revealed that pineapple marketing is dominated by females (96.67%). Most (80.00%) of the pineapple marketers were married with an average household size of five persons. Three product flow channels exist for the pineapple marketing with the major channel being that from the producers through wholesalers to retailers and ultimately to the final consumers. The marketers earned a positive net return of N770.00 and the return per capital was N0.55. Results from the estimated multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (2.934), marital status (5.149), education (5.184), marketing experience (3.272), monthly income (2.676) and membership of cooperative (3.096) were found to be the significant factors influencing profit margin and the relationships were statistically significant at 1% level of probability. The F-Ratio (57.298) revealed the overall significant of the model which led to the rejection of the null hypothesis hence concludes that the socio-economic characteristics of pineapple marketers have a significant influence on their profit margins. Findings also revealed that pineapple marketing is efficient and lucrative in the area. However, inadequate capital, price fluctuation and inadequate storage facilities are the major constraints militating against its efficient marketing system. It was therefore recommended that effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on marketers easy access to credits. Infrastructural facilities such as good feeder roads should also be provided for the marketers to reduce spoilage and distressed sales. Marketers should be encouraged to form agricultural marketing cooperatives to eliminate the exploitative activities of some middlemen. Ultimately, processing companies should be established in the area so as to bring processors closer to the marketers. This will reduce the rate of perishability, shorten the chain of distribution and enable marketers to receive better prices at reduced transportation cost
Assessment of Youths Participation in Cassava Production under the Value Chain Development Programme in Bida Local Government of Niger State
  • J J Abigail
  • Adebayo C O Abdullahi
  • A Ibrahim
  • F D Ayodeji
Abigail, J. J, Adebayo.C.O., Abdullahi, A., Ibrahim, F. D, & Ayodeji,A.A.C,(2019).Assessment of Youths Participation in Cassava Production under the Value Chain Development Programme in Bida Local Government of Niger State, Nigeria. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture & Rural Development,19(3),1-8.
Gender participation in cassava processing in Imo State
  • G Amadi
  • C I Ezeh
Amadi,G.& Ezeh,C.I.(2019).Gender participation in cassava processing in Imo State, Nigeria. Agricultural Science Journal, 1-7. ISSN (Online): 26364972.
Analysis of Cassava Value Chain in Nigeria, From a Pro-poor and Gender Perspective
  • T G Apata
Apata, T. G. (2019). Analysis of Cassava Value Chain in Nigeria, From a Pro-poor and Gender Perspective. International Journal of Value Chain Management, 10(3), 219-237. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJVCM.2019.1009.
Eulogy for Nigeria's giant crop
  • G O Chukwu
Chukwu, G. O. (2015). Eulogy for Nigeria's giant crop. Advance in Agricultural Science &Engineering Research, 1(1),9 -13.
Cassava Entrepreneurship & Gender Participation in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State
  • C O Emerole
  • A N Nwachukwu
  • C O Anyiro
  • V Ebong
  • C K Osondu
Emerole, C. O., Nwachukwu, A. N., Anyiro, C. O., Ebong, V. & Osondu, C. K. (2014). Cassava Entrepreneurship & Gender Participation in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development 14(1), 2014 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952
Gender Differentials in Profitability of Cassava Value Chain in Rivers State
  • A Henri-Ukoha
  • D O Ikpe
Henri-Ukoha, A. & Ikpe, D. O. (2018). Gender Differentials in Profitability of Cassava Value Chain in Rivers State. Nigerian Agricultural Policy Research Journal (NAPReJ) Agricultural Policy Research Network (APRNet),4(1),1-10. Website: http:// www.aprnetworkng.org
Market Orientation, Innovation Adoption& Performance of Food Crops Farmers in Abia State
  • O R Iheke
  • D O Onu
  • M A Egem
Iheke, O. R., Onu, D. O.& Egem, M. A. (2021). Market Orientation, Innovation Adoption& Performance of Food Crops Farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. Nigerian agricultural Journal,52(1),188-200.
Resource Use Efficiency of Cassava farmers in Akwa Ibom State
  • S B Ohen
  • D E Ene
  • G E Umeze
Ohen, S. B., Ene, D. E., & Umeze, G. E. (2014). Resource Use Efficiency of Cassava farmers in Akwa Ibom State,Nigeria. J. Bio. Agric. and Health care, 4(2).