Determinants of Participation in Sustainable Agribusiness Initiatives Among Cassava Processors

Öz

Sustainable agribusiness initiatives are essential for environmental conservation, economic growth, and food security. However, cassava processors in rural Nigeria face barriers such as financial constraints, limited knowledge, and socio-economic challenges. This study examines factors influencing participation in sustainable agribusiness initiatives among cassava processors in Ido Local Government Area, South-West Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 101 respondents, selected from a total population of 298 cassava processors across eight major processing sites. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal that 65.3% of respondents were aged 41-60 years, 64.4% had secondary education, and 45.5% had 16-25 years of experience. Monthly income was relatively modest, with 51.4% earning between ₦31,000 and ₦50,000. Awareness of sustainable agribusiness initiatives was high (mean = 3.94/5), and participation levels were also significant (mean = 2.52/3). However, financial constraints (mean = 3.56/5) and limited access to reliable information (mean = 2.30/5) hindered engagement. Regression analysis (R² = 0.826, F = 54.458, p < 0.05) identified awareness (β = 0.555, p < 0.001) as the strongest predictor of participation, while gender (β = -0.119, p = 0.019), education (β = -0.082, p < 0.001), and marital status (β = -0.109, p < 0.001) negatively influenced involvement. The study recommends targeted programs to improve awareness, provide financial support, and enhance capacity-building efforts, particularly for women and less-educated processors. Addressing these barriers will foster increased participation in sustainable agribusiness, contributing to economic empowerment and food security.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Sustainable agribusiness
• cassava processing
• awareness
• participation
• Nigeria

Manyok İşleyicileri Arasında Sürdürülebilir Tarımsal İşletme Girişimlerine Katılımın Belirleyicileri

Öz

Sürdürülebilir tarımsal işletme girişimleri çevrenin korunması, ekonomik büyüme ve gıda güvenliği için gereklidir. Ancak Nijerya kırsalındaki manyok işleyicileri mali kısıtlamalar, sınırlı bilgi ve sosyo-ekonomik zorluklar gibi engellerle karşı karşıyadır. Bu çalışma, Güney Batı Nijerya'daki Ido Yerel Yönetim Bölgesi'ndeki manyok işleyicileri arasında sürdürülebilir tarımsal işletme girişimlerine katılımı etkileyen faktörleri incelemektedir. Sekiz büyük işleme tesisindeki toplam 298 manyok işleyicisinden seçilen 101 katılımcıdan veri toplamak için yapılandırılmış bir anket kullanıldı. Veriler, çoklu regresyon analizi de dahil olmak üzere tanımlayıcı ve çıkarımsal istatistikler kullanılarak analiz edildi. Bulgular, ankete katılanların %65,3'ünün 41-60 yaş aralığında olduğunu, %64,4'ünün ortaöğretim mezunu olduğunu ve %45,5'inin 16-25 yıl deneyime sahip olduğunu ortaya koyuyor. Aylık gelir nispeten mütevazıydı; %51,4'ü 31.000 ile 50.000 £ arasında kazanıyordu. Sürdürülebilir tarımsal işletme girişimlerine ilişkin farkındalık yüksekti (ortalama = 3,94/5) ve katılım düzeyleri de anlamlıydı (ortalama = 2,52/3). Ancak mali kısıtlamalar (ortalama = 3,56/5) ve güvenilir bilgiye sınırlı erişim (ortalama = 2,30/5) katılımı engelledi. Regresyon analizi (R² = 0,826, F = 54,458, p < 0,05), farkındalığı (β = 0,555, p < 0,001) katılımın en güçlü yordayıcısı olarak belirlerken, cinsiyet (β = -0,119, p = 0,019), eğitim (β = -0,082, p < 0,001) ve medeni durum (β = -0,109, p < 0,001) katılımı olumsuz etkiledi. Çalışma, özellikle kadınlar ve daha az eğitimli işleyiciler için farkındalığı artırmaya, finansal destek sağlamaya ve kapasite geliştirme çabalarını geliştirmeye yönelik hedefli programlar önermektedir. Bu engellerin aşılması, sürdürülebilir tarım ticaretine katılımın artmasını teşvik edecek, ekonomik güçlenmeye ve gıda güvenliğine katkıda bulunacaktır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Sürdürülebilir tarım
• manyok işleme
• farkındalık
• katılım
• Nijerya

Kaynakça

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