The Impact of Cassava Production on Employment and Poverty Reduction

The problem of poverty and unemployment remains one of the major challenges of many countries of the world especially developing countries at this 21st century. In view of this, the study examined the relationship between cassava production, employment generation and poverty reduction in Nigeria with particular reference to cassava production in Okpokwu. Using descriptive approach from primary data obtained through Focused Group Discussions, questionnaires, personal observations and an in depth interviews, the relationship between cassava production, employment generation and poverty reduction were established. The chi-square technique was used to test the result at 5% level of significance. The result clearly showed that there is a positive relationship between cassava production, employment generation and poverty reduction in Okpokwu. This implies that enhanced cassava production can be used to generate employment and reduce poverty through its various enterprises.