TECHNOLOGY CHOICE AND TECHNICAL CAPACITY IN GARI PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the capacity and technology needs of women in Osun and Ondo States for gari production. The field survey was carried out by means of a structured questionnaire, administered through a participatory learning technique. At least two processing centers were visited in each Local Government Area in the two States. Altogether a total of 63 gari processing centers were visited.

Mechanical grating of (manually) peeled cassava tubers has been fully adopted, while over 88% of processors have also embraced mechanical dewatering of the grated mash. Manual sieving is still predominant as mechanical sieving devices so far introduced still present problems; Frying also remains a manual operation, though some improved frying devices are being adopted. Women involvement in the operation and management of mechanical devices is not encouraging. Processing centers utilising diesel engine as prime movers predominate (84.7%), but they mostly employ male operators. This study however reveals that given necessary training and sensitisation, women should be able to take on more managerial and operational tasks in agroprocessing ventures.

The predominant learning method of apprenticeship needs improvement, while greater attention needs to be paid to environmental issues than presently indicated by the study. Though fatal accidents have not been prevalent, safety consciousness in many of the processing centers leaves much to be desired. To redress some of the inherent problems of current technological practices, a technology profile incorporating the most feasible mechanization option for the unit operations is proposed for gari processing.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to the UNDP for provision of some funds for this study under the WID Institutions Grant Fund (NIR/A2) Scheme.