#cassavafarming

[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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosona

Photo: Cut cassava (AI-generated Image)

[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

[palmentogrovebelize]

The gateway to an awesome and memorable #Garifunaculturalandculinaryexperience in #hopkinsbelize #unique #engaging #educational #lifetimeexperience #foodtour #cassavafarming #coconutprocessing #traditionalcooking #Garifunadrumming https://www.instagram.com/p/B4yd4PelvMI/?igshid=16pqmtp79bwr2

[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

[ngpride-blog]

Cassava Farming Business In Nigeria

CASSAVA FARMING

Cassava Farming Business? Not everyone would love to hear of that. An average Nigerian believe that cassava farming is an archaic practice that should be abolished. They’d beam with smiles to the hearing of working in an oil company, but grow in rage whenever agriculture is mentioned. It’s saddening. I see people go hungry every day. Some, in their quest to fill their stomach indulge in illegal practices that only endanger their life. Cassava have been overlooked and seen as worthless until the scarcity that hit the country a year ago, where a cup of garri (cassava flakes) was over N100, something that’s usually N100 for 6 cups. For the first time in history, office workers delve into cassava farming because their salary wasn’t enough to meet the new development. Cassava suddenly became a high sought after good – a holy grail. Cassava can be processed into a number of products like starch, glucose syrup, chips, flour etc. In fact, cassava makes up a major part of our daily meal here in Nigeria. Raining season is fast approaching and the best time to start preparing for this farming business in now, which is why this article is coming at this moment. In this article, I’m going to guide you by the hand on how you can start cassava business here in Nigeria. Not only will you make huge amount of money in return, you’ll save yourself money.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD START CASSAVA FARMING IN NIGERIA

1. HIGH DEMAND The population of Nigeria is over 170 million and over 99% consumes cassava products every day. The demand will continue to skyrocket as cassava farmers dwell in financial freedom. 2. AGRICULTURAL LOANS Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has now made more agricultural loans, to help attract more Nigerians into taking a part in cassava farming. This incentive offered has eliminated the excuse of not having capital. Follow the due process and you’ll qualify. There are also some commercial banks here in nigeria that give agricultural loans. 3. NOT TECHNICAL Cassava farming is not technical in any way. I’m currently into this agribusiness and I can confidently beat my chest and say that it’s the easiest agribusiness you can ever do. 4. SMALL CAPITAL Another remarkable truth about cassava farming is that it’s not capital-intensive as long as you already have a land. Even if you don’t, you can easy rent. It’s a low capital busicomness. You might not even need the incentives offered by BOA before you can do this business.

USES OF CASSAVA

Cassava can be used by farmers as livestock feed Four is a byproduct of the root and leaves of cassava Can be proceed into different form of starch that’s very edible Used for the making of some natural herbs.

HOW TO START CASSAVA FARMING IN NIGERIA

1. A GOOD FARMING SITE It’s advisable you get a land never close to your resident for easy monitoring and when doing that, make sure the soil is a loamy soil, with access to adequate rainfall, warmth and moist climatic condition. If possible, get in contact with other cassava farmers or soil scientist to help verify that the land is suitable for farming. 2. LAND PREPARATION When you’ve gotten a good land like the previous step suggested, the next step of action will be to prepare the land. You can do this yourself depending on how big the land is. If it’s too big, you can hire laborers or tractors. Land preparation entails preparing your seedbeds. If your land isn’t very fertile, you can plant leguminous crop to help supplement the nutrients needed by cassava. Cassava planting starts April and can be extended to October. 3. BEST CASSAVA VARIETY TO PLANT When going for a cassava breed, a lot of factors have to be considered like; Acceptance by target market High yield Resistance to disease and pest Fast maturity It’s very important you take special care before going for a breed. The first factor to consider is acceptance by target market. You need a breed they are used to. The following cassava varieties are recommended TMS 30572 NR 8082 NR 8083 TM 4(2) 1425 TMS 81/00110 TMS 92/0326 4. PLANTING THE CASSAVA The cassava stem has to be cut 25cm long and be planted at a spacing of 1 m x 1 m. Make sure to plant healthy cassava stems if you must grow rich cassava crops that will be highly demanded in the market. It’s advisable to get to a cassava farmer to help with a planting technique that yields more. 5. TYPES OF FERTILIZER TO USE Cassava farming is best with fertilizer, to help improve cassava yields or output. The following fertilizer and their rate are recommended NPK 15:15:-12 (50KG) BAGS NPK 20:10:10-9 (50KG) BAGS NPK 12:12:17-15 (50KG) BAGS This must be applied 8 weeks after planting.

COST OF PRODUCTION IN CASSAVA FARMING

Cost of production entails all the expenses to be made in this agribusiness before harvest. Take a look below; LAND COST  N100,000 LAND PREPARATION N20,000 CASSAVA STEM N10,000 FERTILIZER N25,000 MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES N20,000   Other cost might include insecticides, weeding, laborers wages etc. at a total, we should be looking at an estimate of N300,000. I would suggest conducting a feasibility study; it will help you know the exact figure needed to make cassava farming possible.

MARKETING YOUR CASSAVA PRODUCTS

When your cassava has attained maturity, depending on the breed, you must ensure you sell to the right buyer and at the right price. You don’t want a situation whereby the input was greater than the output, which will be lost. To ensure you get it all right, make sure you belong to a farming association. Read the full article

[ofarmsng]

How To Start A Profitable Cassava Farming Business – 8 Steps.

#cassava #business #farming #cassavafarming #tuber

[mkulimaforum]

Tune in to @SplashFM1055 today, Wed. by 7pm -7.30pm for Farming On Radio, a resourceful radio program for #cassava farmers & cassava business practitioners. Powered by @IITA_CGIAR & @ACAI_IITA#CassavaFarming #ZeroHunger #agribusiness @seunomoakinola @GodwinAtser @patrickakpuh pic.twitter.com/MU0qCKFsi3

— (IITA)CassavaMatters (@CassavaMatters) January 29, 2020

[mkulimaforum]

Tune in to Amuludun FM 99.1 today, Tues. by 5pm -5.30pm for Ere Agbe, a Yoruba radio program on dissemination of agronomic recommendations to #cassava farmers & for cassava business. Powered by @IITA_CGIAR & @ACAI_IITA. #CassavaFarming #ZeroHunger #agribusiness #Radio pic.twitter.com/baC6Zn535e

— (IITA)CassavaMatters (@CassavaMatters) January 21, 2020

[ngpride-blog]

Cassava Farming Business In Nigeria

CASSAVA FARMING

Cassava Farming Business? Not everyone would love to hear of that. An average Nigerian believe that cassava farming is an archaic practice that should be abolished. They’d beam with smiles to the hearing of working in an oil company, but grow in rage whenever agriculture is mentioned. It’s saddening. I see people go hungry every day. Some, in their quest to fill their stomach indulge in illegal practices that only endanger their life. Cassava have been overlooked and seen as worthless until the scarcity that hit the country a year ago, where a cup of garri (cassava flakes) was over N100, something that’s usually N100 for 6 cups. For the first time in history, office workers delve into cassava farming because their salary wasn’t enough to meet the new development. Cassava suddenly became a high sought after good – a holy grail. Cassava can be processed into a number of products like starch, glucose syrup, chips, flour etc. In fact, cassava makes up a major part of our daily meal here in Nigeria. Raining season is fast approaching and the best time to start preparing for this farming business in now, which is why this article is coming at this moment. In this article, I’m going to guide you by the hand on how you can start cassava business here in Nigeria. Not only will you make huge amount of money in return, you’ll save yourself money.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD START CASSAVA FARMING IN NIGERIA

1. HIGH DEMAND The population of Nigeria is over 170 million and over 99% consumes cassava products every day. The demand will continue to skyrocket as cassava farmers dwell in financial freedom. 2. AGRICULTURAL LOANS Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has now made more agricultural loans, to help attract more Nigerians into taking a part in cassava farming. This incentive offered has eliminated the excuse of not having capital. Follow the due process and you’ll qualify. There are also some commercial banks here in nigeria that give agricultural loans. 3. NOT TECHNICAL Cassava farming is not technical in any way. I’m currently into this agribusiness and I can confidently beat my chest and say that it’s the easiest agribusiness you can ever do. 4. SMALL CAPITAL Another remarkable truth about cassava farming is that it’s not capital-intensive as long as you already have a land. Even if you don’t, you can easy rent. It’s a low capital busicomness. You might not even need the incentives offered by BOA before you can do this business.

USES OF CASSAVA

Cassava can be used by farmers as livestock feed Four is a byproduct of the root and leaves of cassava Can be proceed into different form of starch that’s very edible Used for the making of some natural herbs.

HOW TO START CASSAVA FARMING IN NIGERIA

1. A GOOD FARMING SITE It’s advisable you get a land never close to your resident for easy monitoring and when doing that, make sure the soil is a loamy soil, with access to adequate rainfall, warmth and moist climatic condition. If possible, get in contact with other cassava farmers or soil scientist to help verify that the land is suitable for farming. 2. LAND PREPARATION When you’ve gotten a good land like the previous step suggested, the next step of action will be to prepare the land. You can do this yourself depending on how big the land is. If it’s too big, you can hire laborers or tractors. Land preparation entails preparing your seedbeds. If your land isn’t very fertile, you can plant leguminous crop to help supplement the nutrients needed by cassava. Cassava planting starts April and can be extended to October. 3. BEST CASSAVA VARIETY TO PLANT When going for a cassava breed, a lot of factors have to be considered like; Acceptance by target market High yield Resistance to disease and pest Fast maturity It’s very important you take special care before going for a breed. The first factor to consider is acceptance by target market. You need a breed they are used to. The following cassava varieties are recommended TMS 30572 NR 8082 NR 8083 TM 4(2) 1425 TMS 81/00110 TMS 92/0326 4. PLANTING THE CASSAVA The cassava stem has to be cut 25cm long and be planted at a spacing of 1 m x 1 m. Make sure to plant healthy cassava stems if you must grow rich cassava crops that will be highly demanded in the market. It’s advisable to get to a cassava farmer to help with a planting technique that yields more. 5. TYPES OF FERTILIZER TO USE Cassava farming is best with fertilizer, to help improve cassava yields or output. The following fertilizer and their rate are recommended NPK 15:15:-12 (50KG) BAGS NPK 20:10:10-9 (50KG) BAGS NPK 12:12:17-15 (50KG) BAGS This must be applied 8 weeks after planting.

COST OF PRODUCTION IN CASSAVA FARMING

Cost of production entails all the expenses to be made in this agribusiness before harvest. Take a look below; LAND COST  N100,000 LAND PREPARATION N20,000 CASSAVA STEM N10,000 FERTILIZER N25,000 MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES N20,000   Other cost might include insecticides, weeding, laborers wages etc. at a total, we should be looking at an estimate of N300,000. I would suggest conducting a feasibility study; it will help you know the exact figure needed to make cassava farming possible.

MARKETING YOUR CASSAVA PRODUCTS

When your cassava has attained maturity, depending on the breed, you must ensure you sell to the right buyer and at the right price. You don’t want a situation whereby the input was greater than the output, which will be lost. To ensure you get it all right, make sure you belong to a farming association. Read the full article