ANALYSIS OF WEALTH STATUS AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG CASSAVA PROCESSING HOUSEHOLDS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed the wealth status and its determinants among cassava processing households in Imo State, Nigeria. It specifically sought to classify the households into different wealth categories and estimate factors that influence the wealth status of the cassava processing households. In selecting the sample, multistage sampling technique was used in drawing 90 cassava processing households from the local government areas within the three agricultural zones. Relevant data and information were elicited from the selected households using well structured and pre-tested questionnaire. In analyzing the data, wealth index and multiple regression model were employed. The results showed that the households were classified into poor (65.56%); middle class (3.33%) and the rich (31.11%) while age, household size, monthly expenses and income were found to be major factors influencing wealth status. The study therefore recommended the introduction of income support policy to assist the smallholders to continue in the agricultural business since commercial agriculture which has the capacity to feed the economy has not taken root in the study area.