Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava of which 70% of it is processed to garri. The need to provide food for the estimated population of 10 billion by 2030 is very important taking into consideration the impact of climate change on agriculture.
According to research there is an urgency to promote innovative use of crops to produce new healthy products as well as look into the need to look at other food alternatives.
Each country is blessed with a staple crop or produce which if properly harnessed will ensure food security, wealth creation as well as employment opportunities. This is the case of using what you have to get what you want.
In Nigeria, we are so blessed with cassava. Lets look at the possibilities of turning garri a product of cassava to innovative products. Garri has also found its place in the international market with Amazon, Tropical sun and other sites selling branded packs online. The Africans in diaspora also order some African foods such as crayfish, melon, pepper, yam flour ,garri e.t.c.
The African food in high demand is garri, this gives credence to the study by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) : there is a market for high quality garri for exports and supermarkets. The export market has the potential to generate US$343,524 while the local domestic demand can add US$62,312 to the economy. This is the export potential of garri , increasing foreign income if properly harnessed.
Echbee Foods uses this garri to make healthy, nutritious foods that are healthy and affordable. Garri can be used to make bread replacing wheat thus saving forex spent on wheat importation.
 |
| Garri cakes. |
 |
| Cassava Flakes: garri as cereal |
 |
| Cassava Flakes: garri as snack. |
Garri will create more employment opportunities because of new investors that will tap into garri processing, garri packaging and garri based foods/ snacks.
Interested in the garri business? join the train.
Enjoy with your cup of tea or milk, school feeding programme idea.
