ASSESSMENT OF POVERTY STATUS OF CASSAVA FLAKES PROCESSORS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

This study assessed the poverty status of Cassava flakes processors in North Central Nigeria Data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire designed to elicit relevant information on the socio-economic characteristics, poverty status, determinants of poverty and challenges encountered by cassava flakes processors in the study area. A total of 120 respondents sampled randomly were used for this study. Descriptive statistics, Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) index, Gini Coefficient and Probit regression models were used in data analysis. The study revealed that cassava flakes processing was a female dominated venture. The mean age of respondents was 32 years with 18 years mean years of experience in processing cassava roots into flakes. Cassava flakes processing as the main source of income of respondents (68.3%). The study revealed that 52.7% of the sampled respondents were poor based on the poverty line. Marital status, household size, among others was the determinants of poverty among respondents. Lack of finance, poor pricing of finished product and lack of modern processing facilities were among the challenges encountered by respondents. The study recommends the provision of poverty alleviation packages, price stabilization strategies by government and private investors in form of subsidies and other credit facilities for cassava flakes processors.