- Akokhia, H. U.1 and Anigbogu, T. U.2
- DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22867256
- SSR Journal of Economics, Business and Management (SSRJEBM)
Cassava is an
important smallholder crop in Nigeria, but the economic value generated from
cassava depends not only on production but also on processing, storage, market
coordination, and access to value-added markets. Agricultural cooperatives may
help farmers overcome some of these constraints by providing collective access
to processing facilities, technical support, market information, credit, and
related services. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perceptions of
cassava value addition and the cooperative resources and organisational
characteristics associated with value-addition benefits in Edo State, Nigeria.
A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used. A multistage sampling
procedure was adopted, and 382 questionnaires were administered; 344 usable
questionnaires were returned, giving a 90.1% response rate. Data were analysed
using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Respondents
generally expressed favourable perceptions of cassava value addition,
particularly with respect to product quality, market value, product
diversification, and economic benefits. Cooperative market information and
processing tools received the strongest perceived benefit ratings, while
perceived access to cooperative raw materials was low and perceptions of
financial resources were mixed. Respondents also viewed larger cooperatives and
longer membership duration favourably in relation to processing and
value-addition support. The findings indicate perceived institutional support
rather than causal effects. The study concludes that cooperatives can serve as
important channels for processing-related information, equipment, technical
assistance, collective action, and market coordination, while recommending
stronger provision of working capital, raw materials, equipment maintenance,
and market linkages.
Keywords: agricultural cooperatives; cassava; value addition; cooperative resources; smallholder farmers; Edo State; Nigeria.
