Constraints to locust beans processing among rural women in Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Processed locust bean is a highly nutritious and commonly used food seasoning ingredient in Nigeria. Locust bean processing is a vital source of livelihoods and income for several rural women. This study examined the constraints to locust beans processing among rural women in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 120 locust bean processors were chosen for the study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using frequency counts, mean, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC). The findings revealed that the average age of the locust bean processors is 53 years, and approximately 65.8% of the processors hold a formal education. Fermentation (mean = 3.81) was the most frequently performed task among the respondents in locust bean processing. About 96.7% of the processors have no access to hydrocyclone and other modern locust bean processing equipment and technologies. Inadequate access to finance (mean = 3.14) was the most severe constraint limiting the processors. The study therefore recommended that the provision of financial support to processors, in the form of grants and loans, would help them finance their processing activities. This provision would enhance their productivity and the livelihoods of the women processors.