Across Nigeria, the richness of our land is undeniable. We see it in the lush greenery, in the hearty cassava tubers pulled from the earth, and in the vibrant potatoes harvested with care. Yet, the recent report stating that Nigerian flour millers imported a staggering 3.8 million tonnes of wheat, valued at $2.4 billion, between July 2023 and April 2024 raises a fundamental question: why?
Why are we, as Nigerians, pouring such immense resources into importing a grain that doesn’t naturally thrive on our soil, when our farms are blessed with abundant crops like cassava and potato? We have vast stretches of uncultivated land, a youthful population brimming with potential, and the undeniable capacity to feed ourselves.
The question isn’t whether our cassava and potato can replace wheat in some of our diets – they already do in many traditional dishes. The real question is why haven’t we fully harnessed the potential of these readily available resources to reduce our reliance on costly imports and empower our own people? Currently, our utilization of cassava and potato often stops at mere garri and chips. We are barely scratching the surface of their potential, overlooking the vast opportunities for industrial use.
The recent findings by Oxfam, revealing that a heart-breaking 83% of our population lives below the poverty line, underscore the urgency of this matter. We cannot continue to funnel billions of dollars out of our economy for imported food when our own agricultural sector holds the key to economic empowerment and food security.
The truth is, what Nigeria desperately needs is a robust value chain and value addition for the crops we already cultivate in abundance. This isn’t just a matter of food security; it’s a billion-dollar opportunity waiting to be unlocked. By investing in this sector, we can also significantly reduce post-harvest losses, which currently stand at a staggering 45%. Cassava and potato are not just sources of sustenance; they are raw materials for a multitude of processed food products with significant industrial applications. Imagine the possibilities:
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High-quality cassava flour (HQCF) replacing a significant percentage of wheat flour in bread, pastries, and pasta, as well as serving as a base for adhesives and in the textile industry.
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Potato flakes and starch finding their way into snacks, thickeners, and various industrial applications like paper manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.
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Processed cassava and potato products creating new markets and employment opportunities far beyond simple processing for direct consumption.
To achieve this, we need a concerted effort to increase the food processing industry focused on cassava and potato, moving beyond basic processing to cater to industrial needs. This requires:
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Investment in infrastructure: Providing farmers with access to better storage facilities, transportation networks, and advanced processing equipment capable of producing industrial-grade materials.
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Research and development: Exploring new and innovative ways to utilize cassava and potato in both food and industrial production.
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Skills development: Training our young population in modern farming techniques, advanced food processing, and industrial applications of these crops.
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Government support: Implementing policies that incentivize local processing for both food and industrial use, provide access to finance, and create a favourable business environment.
