Utilization Potentials of Cassava in Nigeria: The Domestic and Industrial Products

摘要

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important food crop in the tropics—a major carbohydrate staple consumed in various forms by humans. Furthermore, its usage as a source of ethanol for fuel, energy in animal feed, and starch for industry is increasing. Given that cassava represents a valuable subsistence and cash crop in many countries, its domestic and industrial potential needs to be fully exploited. Processing of cassava reduces the moisture content and converts it into a more durable and stable product. Women traditionally process cassava, although it could be processed at the small, medium, or industrial scale. This article discusses the major Nigerian domestic products as well as the potential industrial products of cassava that are yet to be produced locally and the machines used in their production. Although improved technology is one of the keys to increasing the productivity of micro-enterprises and generating broad-based, sustainable economic growth, the extent to which a given technology is acceptable to a given culture may depend on a number of considerations beyond the mechanical efficiency of the device. These topics are discussed and recommendations are suggested to encourage the establishment of more cassava based industries.