A SURVEY OF THE TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR CASSAVA PROCESSING IN EKITI STATE

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to examine the techniques and technologies for cassava processing in Eliki Slate, to identify the various products from cassava in the study area, to generate ways of improving the techniques and technologies, and to recognize the constraints to processing and marketing of cassava products. The study made use of structured questionnaires, oral interviews and focused group discussions to select a sample size of 120 respondents.The population under study was considered homogeneous. Two local governments were randomly selected, from each of the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State which makes six local governments in all. The technology mostly used by the cassava processors in Ekiti State is the trado-modern technology. trado-modem technology incorporates the traditional technology such as; peeling, washing, fermentation, frying and packing; and the mechanical technology such as Grating and Pressing. Furthermore, the constraints experienced by processors in carrying out their activities and marketing their various products include poor road network, high transport cost, drudgery due to poor access to equipment, inadequate capital and weather related factors relating to sun drying of cassava products during rainy season. The study therefore recommends the need for processors to have access to infrastructural facilities and improved processing technology to enable them take advantage of the emerging market-oriented cassava products so as to improve their means of livelihoods.