CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN CASSAVA PROCESSING AND VALUE ADDITION AMONG WOMEN FARMERS IN SOUTHERN SIERRA LEONE

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Abstracts: Cassava processing plays a critical role in enhancing food security, income generation, and rural livelihoods, particularly among women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the constraints and opportunities in cassava processing and value addition among women farmers in Bo and Moyamba Districts, Southern Sierra Leone. A cross-sectional survey and mixed methoddesigns were used, and data were collected from 198 respondents using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS, descriptive statistics, Likert scale and binary logistic regression models.The results revealed that most respondents (46.5%) were within the age range of 30–39 years, indicating active participation of economically productive women in cassava processing. Most respondents were married (60.8%) and had low to moderate levels of education, with 36.6% having primary education and 31.4% having no formal education. Household sizes were generally large (67.2% having 5–10 members), and most respondents operated at low-income levels, despite having considerable processing experience.Processing activities were dominated by traditional methods (63.13%), with limited adoption of improved technologies (32.83%). The majority of respondents relied on manual tools (59.6%), while only a small proportion used advanced equipment such as dryers and presses. Cassava processing was largely concentrated on basic products such as gari (92.42%) and fufu (56.06%), with minimal diversification into higher value-added products.Logistic regression results showed that education level, cooperative membership, income, processing scale, and access to credit significantly influenced the adoption of improved processing technologies, while age, household size, and experience were not significant. Major constraints identified included lack of access to credit, high cost of processing equipment, inadequate technical skills, poor infrastructure, and limited market access. Despite these challenges, significant opportunities exist, including high demand for cassava products, availability of raw materials, and labour supply.The study concludes that although women play a critical role in cassava value addition, their productivity is constrained by financial, technical, and infrastructural limitations. It recommends improved access to credit, strengthened extension services, promotion of cooperative societies, and investment in processing technologies to enhance efficiency, product quality, and income generation Keywords: Cassava processing, women farmers, value addition, constraints, opportunities, Sierra Leone

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