Cassava is a multifunctional crop. It grows in marginalized arid and semi-arid regions characterized by long periods of drought and consistent crop failure. In Kenya, cassava is a staple crop and ranks second most important root crop after the Irish potato. Nevertheless, there is a low cassava value addition in Kenya. This study therefore establishes factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decision to participate in cassava value addition. The study was conducted in Busia County, Kenya. A multistage sampling procedure was used to obtain data from 362 cassava farmers. Descriptive statistics and probit regression were used to analyze the data. Descriptive results revealed a low level of cassava value addition among smallholder farmers. Education level, farm size, yields, access to credit, and processing equipment influenced the farmers’ participation in cassava value addition positively while off-farm income and distance to the market had a negative influence. The study recommends strategies that could be applied to improve farmers' participation in cassava value addition. They include; the provision of financial support to cassava farmers through accessible credit facilities and processing equipment. Likewise, the adoption of high-yield cassava varieties should be emphasized. Similarly, policymakers should formulate appropriate policies that promote farmers' engagement in cassava value addition

Keywords: Cassava; food security; probit model; value addition; smallholder farmers