ABSTRACT

This study analyzed the Effects Entrepreneurial Competencies on the Performances of Cassava  Processors in Abia State, Nigeria. Specially, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the processors, described the entrepreneurial competencies possessed by the processors, estimated the factors influencing the entrepreneurial competencies among the processors, estimated the cassava processors entrepreneurial performance along the value chain, determined the differences in entrepreneurial performance of the processors, estimated the factors that influence the processors entrepreneurial performance and examined the constraints militating against the processors performance. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 cassava processors while a well-structured survey instrument was used to elicit the required data. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), budget analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Multiple regression analysis. The results reveal that the cassava Processors had formal education with 63.3% of them having secondary education while the distribution according to their level of experience shows that 89.2% had an experience in cassava processing above 5 years. The cassava processors are involved in the production of flour, fufu, garri, and tapioca though most of them were found to produce more than one value added product. The significant of entrepreneurial competence with a mean X > 3.00 as shown in the results of the analysis are business understanding, communication skill, risk taking, good operational planning, good financial control, task coordination, ability to explore new idea etc. Cassava Processors entrepreneurial competencies were found to be profitable and viable with entire Cassava Processing enterprises having a return per naira of N5.265 There is a significant difference in the performance of various enterprises.  Household size, income, competence and experience were the significant variables affecting the entrepreneurial performance of the processors. The major limitations faced by the enterprises include low output, entrepreneurial orientation, poor capital access etc. Based on the findings, it is recommended that cassava processors should be given enough orientation to enable them manage their inputs and also to understand the business environment in order to identify the market needs.