PROCESSORS’ PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOME CASSAVA PROCESSING INNOVATIONS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The current drive towards higher levels of commercialisation of cassava processing under the Presidential Initiative on Cassava requires that the scale of cassava processing be increased in Nigeria. Primary data obtained from 112 respondents selected from the 4 extension zones of Ogun State was used to examine the perception of effectiveness of innovations by cassava processors and the factors responsible for adoption of these innovations. The processors’ perception of effectiveness of cassava processing innovations was measured on a 5-point Likert-type scale containing 20 items. Most of the respondents (75%) are indifferent in their perception of the effectiveness of innovations in cassava processing. All the cassava processing innovations considered in this study are known to some respondents, but their levels of use and acquisition differ from one innovation or the other. There are no significant relationships between the processors’ perception of effectiveness of cassava processing innovations and adoption of cassava peeling machine, fortification of cassava with protein rich cereal and use of rotary dryer. There are however significant relationships between the cassava processors perception of the effectiveness of cassava processing innovations and adoption of hand driven grater; power driven grater, hydraulic press and iron frying pot. Also, there are significant relationships between the cassava processors perception of cassava processing innovations and the major product processed and the main occupation. The study concluded that it is important that cassava processors have access to trying and using cassava processing technologies under convenient arrangements to stimulate a positive attitude towards such innovations