Gender Roles and Challenges of Small Scale Cashew Nut ProcessingEnterprise in Enugu North, Nigeria

Abstract

Small scale cashew nut processing enterprise is important in meeting the needs of the local processors and strategic in the current transformation agenda of the government. The study examined the gender roles and challenges of small scale cashew nut processing enterprise in Enugu North Senatorial zone of Enugu State. Seventy two small scale cashew nut processors were identified and interviewed to elicit information for the study. The study revealed that youths on the whole were found to be more effective in most of the activities of cashew nut processing namely packaging (M=2.0), grading (M=1.90), sizing (M=1.50 and cleaning (M=1.50). On the other hand, men played more effective role in two processing activities- shelling (M=2.0) and peeling (M=2.0) while women played more effective role only in one activity- roasting/frying (M=1.80). It was found that all the respondents (100.0%) were still using local processing method like open pan roasting. About 19.0% of the respondents processed 3-5kg per day while 12.4%, 2.2% and 1.4% processed 6-8kg, 9-11kg and 12-14kg per day respectively. The challenges of small scale cashew nut processors were chemical burns (M=3.86), damage of kernels by fire through non regulation of heat (M=3.67), high cost of kernels (M=3.57) and excess heat affecting the body. The study concluded that the contribution of cashew nut processing enterprise to the transformation agenda was hampered by the use of local processing equipment which also adversely affected the livelihood survival of local processors.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n7p74