The use of indigeneous ripening technologies by banana and plantain women in Enugu State Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the use of indigenous ripening technologies by banana and plantain women marketers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 40 banana and plantain women marketers, using semi-structure interview schedule. Frequency distribution, percentage and mean score were used in the analysis of the data. The findings revealed that the primary occupation of a greater proportion (78.3%) of them was banana and plantain while their mean marketing experience was 7 years. Different indigenous ripening technologies were in use. However, the most commonly used one in combination with African bush mango fruits ( Irvingia species) and polythene bags. The use of the indigenous ripening technologies helped the women to generate quick and constant relatively high income (X = N7,375 per month) which they used in purchasing more ripening facilities, more bunches of banana and plantain, essential household materials, etc. Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 9 2005: 96-101