Assessment of Mechanization and Equipment Gaps in Cassava Processing Centres in Selected Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria

Given cassava roots’ short postharvest shelf-life (24–48 hours) and persistent mechanization deficits in rural agro-processing, there remain limited location-specific evidence on the equipment in use, the energy sources that power processing, and the gendered division of labour within cassava processing centres in Nigeria. Accordingly, this study assessed mechanization and equipment gaps in small-scale cassava processing centres in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ondo State, Nigeria (Owo, Akoko South West, and Akoko South East). A structured questionnaire, key-informant interviews, and direct on-site observation were used to document firm characteristics, staff capacity, equipment availability by unit operation, energy sources, and perceived constraints to productivity. Across 41 centres, mechanization was strongest for grating, dewatering/pressing, and milling, while peeling, washing, drying, and frying/roasting remained entirely manual. All centres relied on diesel engines as prime movers, reflecting energy unreliability and associated cost pressures. The most frequently cited barriers to improved performance were limited financing/poor turnover, high machine and operating costs, market uncertainty, and infrastructure-related constraints. The findings provide centre-level evidence to guide targeted technology upgrading, financing, and capacity-building interventions to strengthen value addition and livelihoods in cassava processing.