Profitability of Cassava Production Among Women Farmers in Enugu State

Cassava is a staple crop of significant economic importance to farming households in South East Nigeria, where women constitute a dominant share of the agricultural labour force. Despite their central role, women farmers frequently face constraints related to land rights, capital access, and extension coverage that may reduce profitability. This study investigates the profitability of cassava production among women farmers in Enugu State, drawing on data collected from 160 respondents across four local government areas. A structured interview schedule was used to gather information on farm inputs, output volumes, selling prices, and household resource contributions. Gross margin analysis and the net farm income method were applied to assess profitability at different production scales. Results show that the average gross margin per hectare was N112,500, indicating moderate profitability. Key cost items include stem procurement, hired weeding labour, and transportation to roadside markets. Women managing larger plots through collective labour arrangements recorded higher profit margins. Access to improved cassava varieties from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture was associated with a 35 percent yield advantage over local varieties. Challenges identified include difficulty accessing formal credit, limited transportation infrastructure, and post-harvest losses averaging 18 percent of output. The study recommends microfinance schemes specifically designed for women cassava farmers and investment in rural road networks in Enugu State to support market access. Keywords: cassava, women farmers, profitability, Enugu State, gross margin