Adoption of Cassava Processing Technologies among Rural Women of Kogi State, Nigeria

This study explores the adoption of cassava processing technologies among rural women in Kogi State, Nigeria, a region recognized as one of the country’s leading cassava producers. It addresses critical challenges including low productivity, post-harvest losses, and gender-based disparities in technology access. Primary data were collected from 140 respondents across four agricultural zones to examine their socio-economic characteristics, adoption levels, perceived benefits, influencing factors, and constraints to adoption. Findings indicate that 90% of respondents possess formal education, while 66.4% access credit primarily through informal sources such as family and friends. High adoption rates were recorded for technologies such as mechanical peelers, automatic fryers, and starch extractors (100%), whereas the adoption of bagging machines was the lowest (51.4%). The most influential factors driving adoption included observability (mean = 3.34), cost-effectiveness (mean = 3.33), and relative advantage (mean = 3.17). Perceived benefits of these technologies include improved energy efficiency, enhanced product quality, and opportunities for product diversification. However, adoption is hindered by constraints such as inadequate training, high labour requirements, limited institutional support, and insufficient storage infrastructure. The study concludes that although the adoption level is relatively high, addressing these challenges is essential for sustained technology use. It recommends targeted training programs, expanded extension services, improved access to financing, investment in storage facilities, and the establishment of cooperative support networks to enhance the adoption and long-term sustainability of cassava processing technologies among rural women.