Risk Analysis and Market Participation among Women Cassava Marketers in Imo and Anambra States, Nigeria

This study evaluated risk analysis and market participation among women cassava marketers in Anambra and Imo States, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of women cassava marketers, describe the level of market participation by women cassava marketers and analyze risk attitudes and management strategies adopted by women cassava marketers in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to collect data from 368 respondents (182 in Imo and 186 in Anambra). Data were analyzed descriptive statistics, Likert scales, and participation index. Market participation showed Imo State had a participation index of 0.40 (moderate), Anambra 0.33 (low), and pooled 0.37 (low). Imo marketers (91.21%) had high participation, compared to 72.58% in Anambra. Key marketing activities, stakeholder decision-making (µ =4.2), value addition (µ =4.0), and cooperative sales management (µ =4.3) showed high participation. Regulatory activities and committee roles also highlighted Imo’s more proactive market environment. Risk attitude result indicated Imo women marketers as more risk-taking (70.33% risk-takers) than Anambra (45.16%). Risk management strategies varied: Anambra favoured early production (µ =2.72) and selling at high prices (µ =2.59), while Imo primarily used early production (µ =3.0). Based on these findings, the study recommended the need to develop financial products and strengthen cooperative networks, improving transportation infrastructure and urban-rural linkages, tailoring extension services to risk management strategies, fostering mentorship programs within marketing associations, and promoting technology adoption and risk-smart interventions for women marketers, especially those with large households.