Variability in traditional processing of gari: a major food security product from cassava

Aurelie Bechoff; Keith I. Tomlins; Ugo Chijioke; Paul Ilona; Ben Bennett; Andrew Westby; Erick Boy

doi:10.3362/2046-1887.18-00015

Variability in traditional processing of gari: a major food security product from cassava

Cassava is a major crop for food security in Nigeria and its principal processed form is gari. Gari processing practices were observed in the south-west (Oyo State) and south-east (Benue State) of Nigeria using two complementary approaches: 1) semi-quantitative surveys with processors (n = 123); and 2) actual detailed measurements at processing units (n = 7). Size of processing operations and types of practices differed significantly between the two states. There were also intra-state differences, influenced by ethnicity and customs. Variability of processing practices should be considered while seeking to improve processing productivity and introducing nutritious varieties of cassava to feed the fast-growing Nigerian population.

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