Abstract

The study investigated the level of involvement of male and female farmers in small scale production and processing of cassava in Abia State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine the socioeconomic profile of the cassava farmers, identify the constraints in cassava production and suggest the possible remedies to improve cassava production in the study area. The result revealed that despite the fact that both male and female farmers were actively involved in cassava production and processing, but in terms of labour, the women dominated in most of the activities like planting, weeding and harvesting of cassava. There is also a significant difference in the labour involvement both in production and processing. It also revealed that land ownership was one of the major problems in the area. Women do not own land according to the tradition, and this discourages agricultural production among women. Other constraint like lack of input, lack of fund and high cost of labour were militating against cassava output in Abia State, Nigeria. Based on the constraints, the farmers suggested ways to improve cassava production in the study area. The major suggestions were provision of input, provision of agricultural subsidy/labour. It was recommended that state government should address the problem of farmers by assisting them with improved inputs. Loans should be given to farmers. Land ownership in the rural areas should be addressed by government so that everybody will have equal right to land ownership.

Key words: Gender differences, challenges, cassava production, cassava processing and food security.