Conference Agenda

In Nigeria, despite efforts to improve agricultural productivity, Postharvest Losses (PHL) continue to threaten the nutrition and livelihood security of the populace. This study was conducted to ascertain farmers’ access to resources for postharvest handling of cassava and their level of involvement in postharvest management of cassava from a gender perspective. Data were obtained through the use of a structured interview schedule from 256 smallholder cassava farmers selected using a four-stage sampling procedure involving both the simple random and stratified random sampling techniques. Descriptive and inferential (independent t-test) statistics were used in analysing the data. Findings revealed that the mean age of the female and male cassava farmers was 39 years and 42 years, respectively. Years of education were lower among female farmers 4.10 years while males had an average of 6.37 years of education. The average household size for the female respondents was nine people while the male respondent had an average of seven household members. Years of processing experience were 10.60 years for females, while males had an average of 9.26 years. Majority of the men (90.2%) and women (81.6%) had farming as their primary occupation, with farming experience of average 10.74 and 11.35 years respectively. The average farm size of females was 2.76 hectares while males had a comparatively higher 3.22 hectares of farmland. Female farmers have more access to resources for processing cassava including skills (M.S= 2.79) than male farmers with mean score of 2.44. Female farmers are more involved in Cassava postharvest management with mean score of (3.01) than male farmers with mean score of (1.71). The most severe challenges encountered by both the male and female farmers in postharvest management of cassava were inadequate modern processing equipment, inadequate technical knowledge of modern processing techniques in cases where equipment exists. Access to resources (t=7.320) and involvement (t=3.597) in postharvest management of cassava are significant. Access to resources and involvement in postharvest management of cassava between male and female smallholder farmers differ. The study recommended gender-responsive postharvest management interventions to address these differences.

The world's leading cashew nut producer, with 1,200,000 tonnes by 2022, Ivorian productivity of raw cashew nuts remains low, fluctuating between 350 and 500 kg/ha, due to poor application of good production practices. The objectives of this study are to examine the relationship between producers' perceptions and the decision to adopt good agricultural practices, and to determine the determinants of the adoption and the intensity of adoption of good agricultural practices. To this end, the probit and poisson regression models were applied to data collected from 845 cashew producers in Cote d’Ivoire. Results showed that the most widely adopted good agricultural practices were plot preparation, direct seeding, shaping pruning, firebreak strips, thinning and pruning. Estimates from the probit model show that the training of producers in the cashew technical itinerary, the supervision of producers by extension services and producers' perceptions are the main factors determining the adoption of all good agricultural practices. Results from the poisson regression and the negative binomial model show that sex, level of education, social background, training and access to extension services influence the adoption of several good agricultural practices. Policy should prioritize expanding training programs and strengthening extension services to enhance adoption of Good Agricultural Practices among cashew nut producers to improved cashew production yield in Africa.

The Cashew nut value chain contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. However, less than one-fifth of its processing capacity is currently being utilised. This qualitative study therefore examined the opportunities for innovation and social inclusion in the cashew nut value chain. Participants were drawn from Southwest Nigeria, a region known for its contributions to the cashew nut industry through production, processing, procurement and exportation activities. By means of a combination of purposive and snowballing sampling techniques, 14 key informants were identified and interviewed using a guide. Data were collected on their experience in the cashew nut value chain as well as their constraints, membership of professional associations, and the raw materials and final cashew products in their enterprises. Data were analysed thematically using NVIVO 14. The study found out that males and youths were more involved in the cashew nut value chain, creating more opportunities for female involvement. Also, there were opportunities for product and process innovation as well as forward and backward integration mechanisms to maximise the gains in the cashew nut value chain.