2026 Vol-6 Issue-2 | COMPARATIVE ADOPTION OF CASSAVA PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES AMONG SEMI-AUTOMATED AND FULLY AUTOMATED PROCESSORS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Comparative Adoption of Cassava Processing Technologies among Semi-Automated and Fully Automated Processors in Imo State, Nigeria, was investigated. The study adopted a multistage sampling procedure involving purposive sampling, stratification, simple random sampling and complete enumeration. A total of 60 cassava processors, comprising 50 semi-automated and 10 fully automated processors for the study. The study relied on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Adoption Index Model, the Mann–Whitney U test and binary logistic regression. The findings showed a mean adoption index of 0.42 for semi-automated processors and 0.80 for fully automated processors, indicating that adoption level of improved cassava processing technologies among the respondents were low. Sun drying recorded the highest adoption level, whereas comparatively lower adoption levels were observed for technologies such as mechanical peeling and washing. The Mann–Whitney U test showed no significant difference between the two technologies (U = 171.00, Z = −1.635, p = 0.102). Binary logistic regression results showed that Age (p < 0.05), educational attainment (p < 0.10), access to credit (p < 0.05), cost of processing equipment (p < 0.10) and quantity of cassava processed (p < 0.10) were statistically significant predictors of technology choice. The Cox and Snell and Nagel kerke R² values were 0.463 and 0.779, respectively, with a classification accuracy of 95%. The study recommends affordable financing, technical training, improved maintenance support and infrastructure to facilitate appropriate technology choice and effective use of cassava processing technologies.