Abstract

The study assessed the groundnut processing techniques used by processors in Edu local Government area, Kwara state, Nigeria. The objectives are to identify the available processing techniques in the area, determine the sources of information available to the processors, assess the factors that influence the groundnut processing techniques and identify the constraints of groundnut processing techniques. One hundred and fifteen (115) respondents were randomly selected. Data for the study was obtained with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Results revealed that all the processors were females (100%). Majority of them were married (83.5%), had no formal education (64.4%) and were in the age range of 31-40 years (53.9%). 58.1% had processing experience range of 11-20 years with an average of 14 years. The major source of information was the family/friends. 93.9% of the processors use mixed method of processing. The result shows a positive correlation between the processing techniques used in the area and educational status and occupational experience of the processors. It was concluded that the groundnut processors use a mixture of traditional and modern technology to process their groundnut. The study therefore recommends that education of female child should be encouraged in the rural areas to enable their handling of modern processing machines.