Evaluation of on-farm cassava processing and its implication on marketing and farmer’s income: a case of Coast region
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Date
2007
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
On-farm processing for agricultural produces is becoming more important in the
economies of most developing countries like Tanzania. This study aimed at evaluating the
potential of on-farm processing in increasing farmers’ income in developing economies
using cassava in Coast Region as a case. Specifically the study determines economic
viability of on-farm cassava processing technology. Primary data were collected through a
cross section survey of 100 farmers using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses
were used to describe the respondents’ characteristics. Gross Margin Analysis was
conducted to estimate relative profitability of two different processing technologies in a
view of ascertaining their appropriateness and effectiveness. The results show that, flour
processing is a more profitable technology than chips processing. Regression analysis was
used to investigate the relationship between processing technology and marketability of
cassava products, results showed that processing has negative relation with marketability
of cassava products implying that those farmers who process have a low possibility of
accessing market. Independent sample t-test was employed to compare income generated
by farmers from the main processing technologies and those who sell raw cassava,
however the results showed that raw cassava in Coast Region has a significant impact on
increasing farmer’s income than on-farm processing of chips and flour. The study also
found that there are several problems that hinder prosperity of on-farm processing, these
include lack of reliable markets, few processing facilities and poor packing facilities. This
case study clearly suggests that on-farm flour processing is more important in generating
household income than chips production. The study recommends that the government
should educate the use of processed cassava and expand flour production in areas growing
cassava by investing in providing processing services to farmers together with finding the
way of increasing processed cassava price as one way of improving farmer’s income and
reduce poverty.
Description
Masters Dissertation
Keywords
Cassava processing, Farmer’s income, Coast region