PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF COOPERATIVE WOMEN IN SMALL -SCALE CASSAVA FLOUR (LAFUN) BUSINESS IN IWO ZONE OSUN-STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Lafun is an innovation in cassava-tuber system, it is being generally embraced in all major towns in Osun-State, Nigeria. The study examined profitability analysis of cooperative women in small-scale cassava flour business in Iwo Zone of Osun-State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select the sample size of 120 respondents using a well structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondent's average monthly income was N124,245.50k. The gross margin and net income of small-scale cassava flour business were N9,581.146 and N9,091.489 respectively. The rate of return on investment was accounted for 35.90% which indicated that cassava flour (Lafun) processors were able to realized profit of 36k per unit. Measures of performance indicated that the venture is viable, economical and profitable in the study area. It was recommended that processors should come together to form cooperative groups. Young unemployed females both married and singles who are still very active should join the enterprise to generate income and self-employment for themselves. Governments should encourage processing of cassava flour (Lafun) by giving Lafun processors soft loan and subsidize equipment needed for high quality of cassava flour processing to make huge profit and become food security