Cassava Production, Processing and Utilization in South Western Part of Ethiopia

Abstract

Cassava is a root crop grown and consumed in south western part of Ethiopia. A survey was conducted to assess the production status, processing and utilization of cassava in three zones in South Western part of Ethiopia. A total of 63 farmers from five Cassava producing Districts were randomly selected for interview. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to individual respondent. The survey result showed that most of the farmers on average allocated less than 0.25ha of land for cassava production and none of the respondents were used improved cassava varieties. More than 86% of the farmers sold fresh cassava while others sold after processing. Of the interviewed farmers 98.4% of the respondents had awareness about hydrogen cyanide content of cassava and conducted different removal measures. More than half of the interviewed farmers responded that most of cassava produced in the area was used for home consumption. Less than 40% of them were used for both market and home consumption. Of the total farmers, 53% of the farmers consumed cassava by boiling and frying, while the others consume either by boiling or frying.