ODIASE Bernard1 & OSEYOMON Ehi Patrick2
1Department of Business Administration
2Department of Marketing
Faculty of Management Sciences
University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
*For correspondence, email: osasben04@gmail.com
Abstract
This study investigated agripreneurship and cassava production in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the research evaluated the current state of cassava production in Edo State by identifying the major challenges faced by farmers, assessed the impact of agripreneurial practices on cassava farming’s productivity and profitability, and explored opportunities for enhancing cassava value chains through agripreneurship. In order to ensure a wide demographic and geographic representation, the researcher used a stratified random sample strategy to poll 180 out of 450 cassava farmers across multiple local government areas. After extensive expert evaluation and pilot testing, the data collection instrument, titled “Survey on Agripreneurship Practices and Cassava Production,” had a high reliability score of 0.87 according to Cronbach’s alpha. Agripreneurial practices’ effects on cassava productivity and profitability were examined through the use of inferential statistics, particularly multiple regression and correlation analysis. The results showed that adopting enhanced cassava varieties, mechanising, and adding value through processing are examples of agripreneurial methods that greatly increase production and competitiveness in the market. Major obstacles included issues such as restricted financial availability, poor infrastructure, and a lack of extension services. The study therefore recommend specific policy changes to boost rural infrastructure, increase access to financing, increase extension services, and encourage research and development in cassava breeding. These actions should improve Edo State’s cassava farming’s sustainability and economic viability, advancing rural livelihoods and overall agricultural development.
Keywords: Agripreneurship, Cassava Production, Productivity, Profitability, Policy Interventions.
