Analysis of training needs of cassava processors in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2018
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Abstract
This study examined training needs of cassava processors in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were
to: (i) describe characteristics of cassava processors; (ii) determine the perceived knowledge level of processors on
improved methods (iii) identify areas of training needs to cassava processors. Sampling technique was used to select
120 respondents from the list of contact cassava processors retrieved from Nasarawa state Agricultural Development
Programme. A purposive selection of 2 Local Government areas from Nasarawa state based on their prominence in
cassava processing, from each of the Local Government areas, 2 communities were randomly selected. The study
revealed that: mean age of the cassava processors in Nasarawa was 37years. A majority of the cassava processors in
Nasarawa (84.2%) were females, most (79.2%) of the processors in Nasarawa had one form of education or the
other, average year of cassava processing among cassava processors in Nasarawa was 6 years, the knowledge level
of respondents on cassava processing skills was low (Mean=1.86) in Nasarawa State, the major areas of training
needs were maintenance of equipment skills (mean=7.17) and handling/packaging of processed products
(Mean=7.37).The study concluded that cassava processors in Nasarawa state required training in the maintenance
of equipment skills, handling/packaging of processed products, safety procedure/precautionary measure, selection of
tuber varieties suitable for product, credit acquisition and knowledge of environmental protection. It was therefore
recommended, that cassava processors in Nasarawa State should be trained in the needed areas.