#cassavachips

[adalidda]

Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Overcoming Challenges in Exporting Dried Cassava Chips to China

The global demand for dried cassava chips has surged in recent years, driven by China’s growing need for bio-ethanol production, food products, and animal feed. This presents a golden opportunity for African cassava producers to expand their market reach and boost economic growth. Chinese manufacturers are willing to order between 50,000 to 100,000 metric tons (MT) of dried cassava chips per month, with contracts spanning 3 to 5 years. However, despite this immense potential, African exporters face significant challenges that hinder their ability to fully capitalize on this opportunity.

This article explores the key challenges African cassava producers face in exporting to China and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. By addressing these obstacles, Africa can position itself as a competitive player in the global Cassava market and unlock its vast agricultural potential.

1. Enhancing Price Competitiveness of African Dried Cassava Chips

One of the most pressing challenges for African cassava exporters is the higher cost of their product compared to competitors from Southeast Asia. The average CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) price of African dried cassava chips is around $400 per MT, while Southeast Asian suppliers offer prices as low as $320 per MT. To bridge this gap, African producers must adopt cost-reduction strategies that enhance their competitiveness.

Successful Strategies and Lessons Learned:

- Scaling Up Production: Small-scale operations are a major contributor to high production costs. By investing in large-scale production facilities or forming cassava processing cooperatives, African producers can achieve economies of scale. For example, Nigeria’s cassava value chain transformation program has demonstrated that scaling up production can reduce costs by up to 20%.

- Adopting Modern Processing Technologies: Modern machinery, such as energy-efficient dryers, can significantly lower production costs. In Ghana, the introduction of solar-powered drying technologies reduced energy costs by 30%, making their cassava chips more competitive in international markets.

- Investing in Renewable Energy: Incorporating renewable energy solutions, such as solar or biomass, for processing facilities can provide long-term cost savings. A successful case in Tanzania saw cassava processors reduce energy costs by 40% after switching to solar-powered drying systems.

2. Navigating the GACC Certification Process

Exporting agricultural products to China requires certification from the General Administration of Customs China (GACC). The complexity and slow processing time of this certification process are significant barriers for African exporters.

Successful Strategies and Lessons Learned:

- Government-to-Government Cooperation: African governments can engage in bilateral negotiations with Chinese authorities to simplify and fast-track the certification process. For instance, Togo’s Ministry of Agriculture collaborated with the Chinese Embassy to expedite GACC approvals for Togolese exporters, reducing processing times by 50%.

- Capacity Building and Training: Exporters often struggle to meet Chinese regulatory standards. Industry associations and government bodies can provide targeted training programs. In Uganda, a government-led initiative trained over 500 cassava producers on GACC requirements, resulting in a 60% increase in successful certifications.

- Certification Support Services: Establishing local certification centers or partnering with GACC-accredited agencies can streamline the process. Kenya’s collaboration with a Chinese certification agency reduced documentation errors by 80%, accelerating the approval process.

3. Reducing High Transport Costs from Africa to China

Transport costs remain a significant challenge for African exporters, despite preferential shipping rates offered by COSCO. The lengthy sea routes and limited container availability further exacerbate the problem.

Successful Strategies and Lessons Learned:

- Consolidated Shipping: Exporters can collaborate to create shared shipping containers, reducing individual costs. In West Africa, a regional exporters’ association successfully implemented a consolidated shipping model, lowering transport costs by 25%.

- Strategic Use of Transshipment Routes: Shipping via hubs like Singapore or Dubai can reduce costs by leveraging economies of scale. A Nigerian exporter reduced shipping costs by 15% by using Dubai as a transshipment hub.

- Investing in Inland Logistics: Improving rural infrastructure and using low-cost transportation alternatives, such as rail or river transport, can lower logistics costs. Ethiopia’s investment in rural road networks reduced farm-to-processing site transport costs by 30%.

4. Reducing Production Costs for Fresh Cassava Roots

The cost of producing fresh cassava roots significantly impacts the overall pricing of dried cassava chips. High labor costs, low farm productivity, and inefficient transportation systems contribute to these challenges.

Successful Strategies and Lessons Learned:

- Adopting High-Yield Cassava Varieties: Investing in agricultural research and providing farmers with access to high-yield, drought-resistant cassava varieties can increase productivity. In Malawi, the introduction of high-yield varieties increased cassava production by 40%, reducing per-unit costs.

- Improving Farm-to-Market Infrastructure: Public investment in rural road networks can drastically reduce transportation costs. Rwanda’s investment in feeder roads reduced farm-to-market transport costs by 35%.

- Strengthening Cooperative Farming Models: Cooperative farming models enable smallholder farmers to pool resources, reducing production costs. In Cameroon, cassava cooperatives reduced input costs by 20% through bulk purchasing and shared equipment.

5. Addressing Post-Harvest Losses Through Better Storage Infrastructure

Fresh cassava roots are highly perishable, and the lack of storage infrastructure results in significant post-harvest losses. Addressing this issue is critical for improving the profitability of cassava production.

Successful Strategies and Lessons Learned:

- Investing in Cassava Storage Solutions: Solar-powered cold storage and low-cost silos can extend the shelf life of cassava roots. In Mozambique, the introduction of solar-powered storage reduced post-harvest losses by 50%.

- Supporting Post-Harvest Technology Development: Collaboration with agricultural universities and research centers can lead to innovative storage solutions. In Nigeria, the adoption of fermentation techniques reduced spoilage rates by 60%.

Conclusion

The challenges of exporting African dried cassava chips to China are significant but not insurmountable. By adopting cost-reduction strategies, navigating the GACC certification process, and investing in modern storage and processing technologies, African cassava producers can enhance their competitiveness in the global market. Collaborative efforts between governments, industry stakeholders, and the private sector are essential to overcoming these challenges and tapping into the enormous demand for cassava in China.

Africa’s cassava industry has the potential to become a major player in the global market, driving economic growth and creating jobs across the continent. With the right strategies and investments, African exporters can transform challenges into opportunities and secure a prosperous future for the cassava value chain.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and learned something new and useful from it. If you did, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might be interested in Agriculture and Agribusiness.

Mr. Kosona Chriv

Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer

Solina / Sahel Agri-Sol Group (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Deko Group (Nigeria, Cambodia)

Senior Advisor

Adalidda (India, Cambodia)

Follow me on

BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/kosona.bsky.social

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Photo: Cut cassava (AI-generated Image)

[eliotlime]

forgot to post these, they’re from the start of May 2021

[gipafoods]

Wanga wa muhogo (Tapioca/cassava starch) una matumizi mengi ya chakula na viwandani, ambayo yanahusishwa na sifa zake bora kabisa za utendaji. Kwa sababu ya sifa zake za kushangaza, inakuwa mbadala mzuri wa unga wa ngano na wanga wa mahindi ... Kwa mahitaji yoyote ya tapioca/bidhaa za mihogo wasiliana nasi wakati wowote . . . . #gipafoods #mihogo #foodie #glutenfree #food #mandioca #cassavachips #foodporn #vegan #snacks #cassavaflour #tapioca #instafood #foodphotography #keripik #foodstagram #macaxeira #manioc #plantain #snack #cassavacake #deliciousfood #healthyfood #wanga #muhogo #kuoka #briquettecharcoal #binder (at Ubungo, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmZVrr9Kve1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[orogolddreams]

C⃨A⃨S⃨S⃨A⃨V⃨A⃨ R⃨O⃨O⃨T⃨ P⃨I⃨Z⃨Z⃨A⃨ Cassava is a calorie-rich vegetable that contains plenty of carbohydrates and key vitamins and minerals. Cassava is a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The leaves, which are also edible if a person cooks them or dries them in the sun, can contain up to 25% protein. #cassava #cassavacake #cassavachips #cassavaflour #cassavafarming #cassavafarm #cassavadesign #cassavaroot #CassavaQueen #CassavaLeaves #cassavaleaf #CassavaIsTheNewWheat #cassavadumplings #cassavachipssaltedegg #cassavachip #cassavacakeph #cassavacake #cassavaroots #cassava #yuca #cassavapizza #cassavabread #cassavaballs #cassavabag #cooking #healthyfood #food #yoyoshealth https://www.instagram.com/p/CVYnYTIP6Pb/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mouseprincessofficial]

many thanks #rainier #oregon #sevencedars for a lovely time at your gathering ✌🏽🥂💙💜💚🐭👑 thanks to @daviescameronj for this #imamouseduh tee 🐭👑 #cassavachips = whoa!! 💚💚💚 @plantsnacks #mouseprincess (at Goble, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnRirBdnK0K/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nyhs1ksthihv

[rachelsiwafan]

😋❤️😉 Jikoni leo Chipsi za muhogo na Karanga Cassava Chips and Nuts😋🇹🇿🇬🇧 @kasukuhousekitchen 🙏🏽 Vile unaangalia England jumapili wanavyofanya yoa huku mdomo unacheza #itscominghome🏆 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #mixsnacks #chispizamuhogo #karanga #cassavachips #nuts #Africanfood #swahilifoodblogger #swahilifooduk🇬🇧 #swahilisnacks #jikonileo #jikoni #mpishi #africanfood #africansnacks #tanzania🇹🇿 #cooking#food#foodie#foodblogger #tanzanianfood#eastafrica#bbcfood#cnnfood😋 #Coventry#UK#lifestyleblogger#vlogger#mswahili🇹🇿#Rachelsiwa ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CREpOUsH0J6/?utm_medium=tumblr

[oeleo]

[044] Tawan Cassava Chips // Larb Saab ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Received this chips from @aroimakmakatbp and was excited to see the flavor because it looked like minced pork/beef with holy basil. I looked this up online and found out that it was Larb Saab flavor and the chips was made from tapioca / cassava. Larb Saab was a type of beef salad. I can't describe the taste but it was good. The texture was not like the usual cassava chips that I know. It was thin, airy, and crispy. It reminded me of Kirei Chips. It was nice to try this maybe will order this next time too.😁 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #365leo2021 #TawanLarbSaab #Tawan #TapiocaChips #CassavaChips #LarbSaab #Thailand #ThailandFood #ThailandSnacks #ThailandSnack #ThaiSnacks #TrySomethingNew #ShopWithAMMAtbp #AroiMakMakAtbp #FoodiesInternationalChat https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUITVflL8v/?igshid=14vfcj98f7fwe

[perthfoodreview]

INVITED // Cocktails & Bites (Loaded cassava chips aud15 and Kingfish ceviche aud18) from Neon Palms, Northbridge. Menu on @perthfoodmenu or click #PFR_NeonPalms Loved the cocktail “Comfortably Numb” - southern comfort, yellow chartreuse, peach & lemon (aud17). Refreshing and so easy to drink. Thanks for the invitation Laura! @lauramaymoseley #invited #neonpalms #northbridge #neonpalmsperth #cocktails #cassavachips #kingfishceviche #perthfoodreview (at Neon Palms) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHX0yWWDqga/?igshid=lbb6kl7dmann

[dayswithmycamera]

belum puas juga.. tapi habis.. . #dayswithmycamera #kripiksingkong #kripiksingkongbalado #kripiksingkongpedas #kripik #kripikpedas #karupuaksanjai #karupuakbalado #keripiksingkong #cassavachips #spicycassavachips #jajananindonesia #khassumaterabarat #asliindonesia (at Kampung Gaga Caplin Ciledug) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFXHQrejg1U/?igshid=1hzohm7z3iqu0

[milkfrost]

Snacking on the Cassava Chips sent by @melhuaymei last week with the cheese sauce dip I bought from @finestfoodsg few days ago 😋 . . #sg50baby #nephew #daltonlam #很会享受 #littletamjiak #cassavachips #cheesesauce #multiplephotos #shotbyiphonexsmax #iphonexsmaxuser #iphonexsmaxpic #iphonexsmax #igsg #sgig #cbday49 #circuitbreakersg https://www.instagram.com/p/CAmis8WnKZq/?igshid=2ek537ycxgen

[iheartteas]

Homemade Cassava Flour Tortillas. Even turned some into tortilla chips. #cassavaflour #cassavachips #cassava #glutenfree #gf #organic #nongmo #vegan #nutfree #soyfree #cornfree #handmade #homemade #diy #fresh #foodie #health #healthy #fit #fitness #iheartteas

[gipafoods]

Zamani zao la muhogo lilichukuliwa kama zao la chakula cha binadamu pekee ambapo pia lilichukuliwa kama zao la ziada, lakini hivi sasa limekuwa zao lenye matumizi mengi zaidi ya chakula hasa kutengenezea bidhaa mbalimbali viwandani na limekuwa ni chakula bora zaidi na rafiki kwa watu wenye hali mbalimbali za afya na uchumi. . . #cassava #yuca #foodie #glutenfree #food #mandioca #cassavachips #foodporn #vegan #singkong #snacks #cassavaflour #tapioca #sagl #kl #instafood #foodphotography #keripik #foodstagram #macaxeira #yummy #manioc #aipim #manyok #plantain #snack #cassavacake #cemilan #healthyfood #delicious (at Health is Wealth) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClVMy9YqIvN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[naturalvivi-blog]

My new obsession! #glutenfree #glutenfreevegan #gluten_free #cassava #cassavaflour #cassavaroots #cassavachips #uummy #healthychips #vegansofinstagram #vegans #veganaf #plantbased #plants #healthcoach #plantbasedsnacks #grainfree #saltandvinegar #noaddedsugar #cleansnacks #cleaneating https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SGddqpcQe/?igshid=1fsjwwfru6ro1

[agricmoney-blog]

#cassava #cassavacake #cassavaleaf #cassavaflour #cassavaroots #cassavachips #agriculture #businessman #farming #money #nigeria #cassavafarming #cultivation #cashcrop https://www.instagram.com/p/ButOWKnno_J/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14jj9tu1dd8rm

[orangecat18]

#cassava #chips #cassavachips #glutenfree #glutensensitivity #transfatfree (at Fairprice Xtra at Ang Mo Kio Hub) https://www.instagram.com/misskiamsiap/p/BtQ7YK5A3_g/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12iqzhdp6n0un

[elgallinero]

(#landscape) #yuquitas #cassavaChips #cassaveChips #regular #reguliere #caribbeanSnacks #caribbean #caribs #arawaks #tainos #giallo #ochun #misterio #mystery #africanPantheon #africanDiaspora #lamS wilfredoLam #viernes #30juin2017 (at Barrett John J & Son)