Evaluation of Effects of Environmental Pollution by Small Scale Gari Processors in Anambra State of Nigeria

Effect of gari processing to the environment in Anambra State of Nigeria was studied. One hundred processors were purposively selected from three out of five agricultural zones of the state. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect information needed for the study. The objectives of the study were addressed using percentages, multiple regression, gross margin analysis and factor analysis. The results show that most gari processors were aged, fairly educated, well experienced, high number of household size and membership of organization. The effect of gari processing to the environments were littering of the processing surroundings with cassava peels, effluents, noise, fibrous waste and cyanide vapour and ash. The determinant of processors’ socio economic characteristics to the rate of environmental pollution were years of processing experience, membership of organization, level of education and access to extension services. Gari processing is profitable in the study area with net profit of N65, 050 and Benefit cost ratio of 1; 2;8.The constraints to gari processing in the study area were shortage of raw materials, high cost of labour, high cost of processing and storage equipment and high cost of energy. There is need to ensure farmers’ access to educational programs, credit and extension services.