Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

VICTORIA B. LANDU-ADAMS

Abstract

The inconsistency and lack of continuity of Nigeria's agricultural policies impact the cassava sector. Despite being the world's biggest producer, the country is yet to benefit from the advantage due to a lack of sustainable growth. The situation manifests in terms of low productivity, low production level, and poor income to the farmers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of the cassava farmers on cassava policies and the effect on their income and livelihoods in the Ikorodu local government of Lagos State. This qualitative study adopted a case study research design using participatory development theory, which explains the nexus between the people's participation in a policy and sustainability of such policy. The opinions of 10 participants who were selected based on their involvement in Cassava production were sought through interviews. Data gathered from interviews with these 10 participants were triangulated with multiple data collection and documents. The two research questions were how the farmers described the policy instability and effects on their cassava business and the solutions for the cassava industry's sustainable development. Key results from the thematic analysis revealed seven themes as: volatility and uncertainty of the cassava business environment, inadequate support from the government, lack of local government participation in agricultural policies and policy inconsistency, planting of high yield cassava stems, promotion and commercialization of cassava crop, reformation of the cassava policy. This study outcome may promote positive social change by improving the livelihoods of cassava farmers and stakeholders and guide the policymakers to check policy instability in the cassava industry.

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