CASSAVA

Cassava is a crucial staple crop in Nigeria, playing a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods. However, climate variability—characterized by erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events—poses significant challenges to cassava production. This study examines the effects of climate variability on cassava production capacity in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it aims to (1) describe the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava farmers, (2) estimate and compare local cassava yields with the national average, (3) examine the effect of socioeconomic and climatic variables, along with market price, on cassava yield; (4) identify adaptation strategies employed by farmers to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate variability; (5) highlight how respondents perceived climate variability to affect cassava production. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 100 cassava farmers, while secondary information was obtained from established sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression models. Findings revealed that although local cassava yields are slightly lower than the national standard, the difference is not statistically significant. Capital investment emerged as a key determinant of yield, whereas climatic variables did not show a direct significant effect. These results underscore the need for enhanced financial support, improved agricultural practices, and robust extension services to build resilience against climate variability. The study provided valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to secure cassava production under increasingly volatile climatic conditions.

Nigeria as the world leader in cassava production, is yet to tap the full potential embedded in cassava. This study was conducted to determine the profitability analysis of processing cassava into fufu in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic
characteristics of cassava “fufu” processors in the study area, determine the profitability of processing cassava intofufu, ascertain the determinants of profit among respondents in the study area, and determine the constraints to cassava
“fufu”processing.
Simple random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents from the
study area. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and interview
schedule. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and regression analysis.
Findings show that fufu processing is female dominated. The study indicated that fufu processing is profitable in the study area with an average gross margin of ₦48 786.74 per processor. The major determinants of profits were age of the respondents, packaging cost, starting capital, cost of cassava bought, price per unit sold and quantity sold per week. Fufu processing is faced with a major 10 constraints, such as inadequate capital (3.87), price fluctuation (4.37), cassava variety (3.40), and weather problem (4.07). The study recommends that the
processorspooltheirresourcestogethersotheycanjointlyboosttheirbusiness.