This study assessed the impact of Cassava cottage industry on rural farmers in Nigeria using Kogi State as case study. Specifically, the study ascertained the socio economic characteristics of the beneficiaries, the welfare (food, clothing, housing, source of income and payment of children school fees from cassava processing) situation of the beneficiaries. One hundred and ten beneficiaries were randomly selected from the study area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, focus group discussion guide (FGD) and key informant interview (KII) technique. Findings from FGD and KII revealed that out of nine processing industries created around Nigeria, most of them were not functional because of poor location, lack of group cohesion and there were reported cases of embezzlement of generated revenue that is meant for maintenance purposes. Data obtained were analyzed using regression. Findings revealed that majority (65.3%, 52.1%) of the beneficiaries were females and had secondary education respectively. Few (45%) of the beneficiaries were farmers of other agricultural commodity, majority (70.8%) of the beneficiaries were into garri production as a major source of income from cassava value chain. Findings also revealed that majority (61.9%) of the beneficiaries embark on cassava processing without training, few (47%) of the beneficiaries were exposed to quality assurance training, majority (71.0%, 83.9%, 83.9%, 87.0%) of the beneficiaries had good food situation, clothing situation, housing situation and paid their children school fees from income generated in cassava processing respectively. The study concluded that training of beneficiaries on basic maintenance or other important areas that help in project management and sustainability was not done before the projects were handed over to them. It was recommended thatthere is a need to involve beneficiaries in every stage of the project, from planning up to project evaluation.
