Effect of Cassava Processing to the Environment in South East, Nigeria - Implication on Adoption of Cassava Processing Technology

Abstract

Effect of adoption of improved cassava processing technology to the environment in South East, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to describe the socio economic characteristics of the processors; identify the effect of cassava processing to the environmental; identify different forms of cassava processing; identify the technologies used by the processors to abate pollution; determine the factors affecting the decision of the processor in adopting of the technologies and identify the constraints to cassava processing in the study area. One hundred and twenty processors were selected from the States. A well structured questionnaire was used to collect information needed for the study. The objectives were addressed using percentages, logistic model analysis and factor analysis. The results show that most cassava processors were aged, fairly educated, well experienced and membership of organization. The different forms of cassava processing in the study area are gari, fufu, tapioca, starch and flour. The effects of cassava processing on the environment were odour, flies, mosquito dust, cyanide, carbon compound and waste water. The technologies adopted by the processor in order to abate pollution were use of collection pit, heap and burn, use of protective devices, source of fuel and dumping in the farm. The determinant factors to adoption of the technologies to abate pollution were education of the processors, credit, and membership of organization, processing experience and extension services. The constraints to cassava root processing were poor access to credit, high price of processing equipment, Poor pricing of products, poor infrastructure, poor pricing of products, irregular suppiy of tubers and Poor market information. There is need to ensure processors’ access to educational programs such as adult program, extension services, credit facilities and regular supply of cassava roots.