Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a staple crop in many tropical regions, playing a crucial role in food security and income generation for millions of people. However, the production and processing of cassava face various challenges that hinder its full potential as a sustainable crop. This research project aimed to identify and address some of the key problems encountered in the production and processing of cassava, offering innovative solutions to enhance productivity and quality. One major issue in cassava production is the prevalence of pests and diseases that can significantly reduce yields. By implementing integrated pest management strategies and disease-resistant varieties, farmers can mitigate these challenges and improve their harvests. Additionally, the use of organic farming practices and biopesticides can help reduce the environmental impact of pest control methods. Another critical aspect of cassava production is soil fertility management. Due to the crop's high nutrient demands, maintaining soil fertility is essential for sustainable production. Soil testing and the application of appropriate fertilizers can help ensure that cassava plants receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Furthermore, intercropping cassava with nitrogen-fixing legumes can improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. In terms of processing, one of the main challenges is post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage and processing facilities. Investing in improved storage infrastructure, such as warehouses and drying facilities, can help reduce spoilage and ensure a steady supply of cassava products throughout the year. Additionally, promoting the adoption of modern processing techniques, such as mechanical grating and solar drying, can enhance efficiency and product quality. Quality control is another critical aspect of cassava processing, as it directly affects the market value of the final products. Implementing quality assurance measures, such as proper washing and peeling practices, can help reduce contamination and improve the safety of cassava products for consumers. Furthermore, providing training and technical assistance to processors can enhance their skills and knowledge, leading to higher-quality products. Overall, addressing the challenges in the production and processing of cassava requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates pest management, soil fertility, post-harvest management, and quality control measures. By implementing innovative solutions and promoting sustainable practices, the cassava value chain can be strengthened, benefiting both farmers and consumers alike.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION                

BACKGROUND OF
STUDY

        cassava
is a staple food crop, which is mostly grown all southern part of Nigeria
timothy as well as in the middle belt and mainly also originate in brazil or
central America, the root tuber are processed into several forms of food lie
garri, fufu or tapica flow.

    The
cassava is treated in thus project in this project reveal its levels of
production and processing through the tuber root. They are rich in food stuff
to man. The leaves are also used as vegetables in soups, while the peels are
feeds to live stock and also the tuber are rich source of carbohydrate they are
also found to contain some vitamins such as vitamin c and a well as some trace
of phosphorous and iron.

    The plant
is woody and may grow up to the height of 1m to 4m depending on the variety.
The main stems and the branches contain knoblike scar, which are the point of
leaf attachment, many people both men and women have engage themselves in
trading with cassava processed one way or the other.

    And there
are two types of cassava, differentiated by the prussic content (hydrocyanic
acid contained in the tuber).

i.          
The sweet
cassava:- this contain low level of poisonous prussic in the flesh of the tuber
with high concentration in the peels

ii.        
The bitter
cassava: – this contain high amount of prussic acid in the flesh of the tuber
with lower concentration in peels.

    But the
farmers are able to cultivated or process them. Today (mamhot Escalante does
not exist in the state spread plant important not exist in the mostly area)

STATEMENT OF
PROBLEMS

    This study
is to investigate various techniques of method of producing and processing
cassava in Nigeria and also considers the various stages ranging from planting
of stem cutting to the harvesting and finally processing of the products.

    There are
many problems encountered by both rural and urban farmers in relation to the
production processing and storage of both the products and the implements.

1. Limited stem cutting i.e. Planting material

2. Inadequate land due to land tenure systems

3. Use of crude implements like cutlass, hoe etc

4. Pest and disease

OBJECTIVES

    Objectives
of this project are:

a. To examine the problems

b. To find out the solution to some of the problems’

c.  
To investigate the
production and utilization of cassava in south part of Nigeria and also
identify the different forms in which cassava are processed into its various
finished products like processing the cassava to garri or fufu e.t.c as a food
for human consumption.

SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE PROJECT

1. The research study will be useful to those who are engaged directly or indirectly in the
production and processing of cassava in south part of Nigeria in particular and
the country as large

2. The study is designed to look into hoe the
production of the farm in southern. Cassava can enhance the well being of the
people in this local government area and also mankind

3. It will serve to encourage the farmers in the study
area who take cassava production and processing as their last hope in life.

4. The study is hoped to motivate the farmers to go
into fulltime cassava production in the area.

5. It is hoped that at the end of this project, the
work will be able to expose and brings to the best, production and processing
cassava in south part in Ovia Local Government Area.  

SCOPE OF
STUDY

    the study
is armed at providing a detailed knowledge and understanding of the operations,
function and performance involved in the production and processing of cassava
in southern part of Nigeria with the view of providing useful suggestion to
ease the problems of this aspects of agricultural development in Nigeria.

    It is
directly geared towards the application of production and processing concept.

HYPOTHESIS

    Some
question to be tackled in the course of study has been raised as follows?

A. Is any decline in the production and processing in
different area of the local government area?

B. What are the problems facing cassava production and
processing in the area.

C. What are the effect of cassava production in the
local government area

DEFINITION OF
TERMS

Production: the process of growing or making food, goods or
materials, especially large quantities

Processing: means the used to making the production in order
to serve as food for human consumption

Cassava: a type of flour made from the thick parts of
tropical plant.