Gendered Food Mapping on Gari-Eba in Nigeria

The study empirically investigated Gendered Food Mapping on Gari-Eba in eight rural communities where people grow, process and consume cassava. Results showed that according to communities and varieties of cassava planted in order of preference among men and women groups in some the communities, Imo best, Durungwo, Isadap, ranked highest, while Try and see, Daberechi was seen as the best for the female groups and Ojuruala best for men’s group. The variety that was ranked low by the women was Nwajenny and for the men yellow cassava. The sources for the planting materials were ADP, NRCRI, some other Agriculture Departments, neighbours and family. Results show that desirable traits of importance for females at purchase include: matured roots, long roots, heavy weight and moderate root sizes; the males indicated mature roots, no diseases and fresh sap on roots. For processing the traits of importance include: high gari yield, not dusty, low moisture content, and less chaff for male and females. Desirable traits for gari when looked at include: attractive, white, neat and yellow for male and females. When felt also include crispy, have weight, dry and coarse and desired taste was sour gari. All the respondents indicated that gari should have good smell that is not rancid (bad odour). The most significant constraints for the women were high cost of hiring labour, followed by long distance from house to the market and unavailability of transport