Analysis of Resources Utilization for Cassava Flake (Garri) Processing in Ogbomoso ADP Zone, Oyo State Nigeria

Background and Objective: Garri is purely made of cassava (Manihot esculenta) and its processing remains an essential local economic activity that promotes food security and inclusive market development through the employment of primary resources. This study analyzed the key resources used for cassava flake (garri) processing in the Ogbomoso ADP Zone, Oyo State Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Eighty-three respondents were sampled by a two-stage sampling technique and cross-sectional data were collected through a questionnaire supplemented with an interview schedule for illiterates among the respondents. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation (at 95% confidence interval), were used to measure socio-economic/demographic characteristics. Results: The results of descriptive statistics showed that 86.75% of the processors were female meaning that the firm is a female-dominated venture. The mean age of the respondents was about 48 years. Around 64% were married and they had a household size of about 5 persons. Energy, processing stand/equipment, cassava tubers, labor, water resources and credit constituted the major resources used in garri processing. The regression analysis ascertained that business experience, processing equipment owner, labor wage, fuel energy, water resources and quantity of cassava tubers were significant variables with an adjusted R² of 75.23%. Conclusion: It recommends that more emphasis should be placed on processing skills and equipment, provision of labor, fuel energy and raw cassava tubers particularly in densely populated areas like Nigeria, to increase cassava product production levels and reduce food insecurity.