This study was carried out to analyse cassava production, prospects and challenges in Irepodun local government area, Kwara State, Nigeria. It aimed to examine the determinant variables and determine the profitability level of cassava enterprises. The study was based on primary data obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire from 100 cassava farmers drawn through multi-stage sampling techniques from the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ordinary least square (OLS) regression model and gross margin analysis. The result of the OLS regression estimates showed that farm size, cost of fertilizer application, farm size, herbicides, family and hired labour were significant variable affecting cassava production in the study area. Fertilizer, farm size and hired labour are significant at 1% while herbicide and family labour are significant at 10%. The study found that the average gross margin per hectare for cassava production in the study area was ₦24,749.28 ($65.30) with a gross benefit ratio of 1.38. This shows that for every ₦1 invested in the business of cassava production, there is a corresponding profit of ₦1.38. The major challenges identified in cassava enterprise are huge transportation cost, high cost of production, lack of improved cassava cultivars, and lack of market linkages. The study concluded despite the problem encountered in the study area, cassava production is profitable and can serve as a panacea for economic improvement of households. Therefore, the study recommends that basic inputs such as improved cassava varieties, herbicides and fertilizer should be made available at affordable price. Also, infrastructural facilities such as good road network and improve marketing channels should be provided in order to sustain current cassava production rate and economic gains from the production.

The study focused on the profitability analysis of marketing of cereals by-products used as livestock feed in Kano State. Multistage sampling technique was used for the study and data was collected using structured questionnaire supplemented with key informant interview. A total of one hundred and seventy-eight (178) cereals by-product marketers were sampled. The analytical tools employed included descriptive statistics, net marketing margin analysis and marketing efficiency. The result of the socio economic characteristics showed that 12% of the cereals by-products marketers were adult belonging to the age group of 43-52 years, 51% of them had household size of 1-6 members, 43.8% of the cereals by-products marketers had 14-22 years of marketing experience, 94.9% married with 88.6% males, the result of educational background of legumes by-products marketers in the study area shows that 44.9% had Qur'anic education. The result of the profitability analysis revealed that cereals by-products marketing were profitable as the marketing margin for sorghum bran and maize bran were N323.34 and N470 respectively. The total revenue realized for the marketing were N1796.67 and N2083.33 for sorghum bran and maize bran respectively. The result further revealed Gross Margin (GR) of 0.01 and 0.01 for sorghum bran and maize bran traded in the study area while return per naira invested was found to be 1.09 and 1.16 accrued from every N1.00 invested for legumes by-products marketing. The result also revealed that marketing of legumes by-products was efficient with 254.17% and 306.16% for sorghum bran and maize bran respectively indicating that marketing of these by-products was profitable and efficient in the study area. The study recommended that since cereals by-product marketing is a profitable enterprise more youth should be encouraged to venture into the enterprises this will go a long way in reducing unemployment in the study area.