Access and Utilization of Improved Cassava Processing Technologies Among Cassava Women in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract
The study analyzed access and the utilization of improved cassava processing technologies among cassava women in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of cassava women; identified the improved cassava processing technologies available to cassava women; ascertained the level of access to the improved cassava processing technologies; ascertained the level of utilization of improved cassava processing technologies by the respondents; assessed the cost and returns of improved cassava processing technologies among cassava women; identified the respondent’s perception of the technologies; and identified the constraints to access and utilization of improved cassava processing technologies among cassava women in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents for the study. Primary data were used in the study. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, multiple regression model and correlation coefficient. Result showed that the mean age, household size, years of education and income of the respondents were 49, 5, 13 and N216,137.50 respectively. Mechanical grater (x̄ = 3.91) and manual peeler (x̄ = 3.88) were highly accessible by the respondents. However, electric grater (x̄ = 1.44), fermentation bin (x̄ = 2.40), and sifting machine (x̄ = 1.61) were not highly accessed by the respondents. Furthermore, mechanical grater (x̄ = 4.00), hydraulic press (x̄ = 3.73), manual peeler (x̄ = 3.66), and fryer (x̄ = 2.99) were highly utilized while electric grater (x̄ = 1.30), screw press (x̄ = 2.31), mechanical dryer (x̄ = 2.41), fermentation bin (x̄ = 2.38), and sifting machine (x̄ = 1.33) were not highly utilized by the respondents. The net income of the processors was N59,630.00, implying that cassava processing is a profitable venture. The respondents generally have a positive perception of the improved cassava processing technologies. Marital status (P