Profitability of Cassava Processing Among Women Entrepreneurs in Imo State

This study examines the profitability of cassava processing enterprises operated by women entrepreneurs in Imo State, South East Nigeria. Cassava processing, encompassing the production of garri, fufu, and cassava flour, is a critical value-addition activity that transforms perishable root tubers into storable food products and creates rural income opportunities, particularly for women. Imo State's dense cassava farming communities provide an important context for assessing processing enterprise economics. This study uses a survey design, collecting data from 185 women cassava processors in Owerri North, Mbaitoli, and Orlu local government areas through structured questionnaires and enterprise financial records. Gross margin analysis, benefit-cost ratio computation, and net present value estimation are applied. Findings reveal that garri production is the most profitable processing activity, with an average gross margin of 42,000 naira per processing cycle and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.3. Fufu processing shows lower profitability due to higher water and labour requirements. Key constraints identified include high firewood energy costs, inadequate processing equipment, and poor access to affordable cassava raw material during peak demand periods. The study concludes that cassava processing is a profitable enterprise for women in Imo State, with significant income generation potential. It recommends subsidised access to improved processing equipment, clean energy alternatives to firewood, and cassava farmer-processor linkage arrangements to improve raw material supply reliability.

Keywords: cassava processing, profitability, women entrepreneurs, Imo State, value addition.