Cassava has virtually turned to pure
gold in Nigeria. Less than five years ago, the country was desperately looking
for export market for the farm produce as a result of glut in the local market.
But the situation has changed due to the trade promotion policy of the federal
government (Ojeagbase, 2005). Stressing the influence of the presidential
initiative on cassava in Nigeria, Anga (2005) observed that the trade promotion
policy of the federal government has created a very strong domestic demand and
market. So strong is the demand that big-time cassava farmers
now earn almost
as much money from the produce locally than they could make if they exported
the commodity. Ojeagbase (2005) reported that on the international market, a
ton of cassava was selling for US$120 (about N15,000). By contrast, the price
was US$130 (N16,000) within Nigeria. This gives a difference of US$10 and
without the stress of getting the product ready for export. All the processors
of feeds are now finding cassava an effective option for maize and there is a
move to replace or partially replace maize with cassava chips.
USDA
(2001) projected that developing countries will represent a larger share of
world food demand and will be the major force driving trade in calorie. Rising
per capita income in developing countries over the coming decade will lead to a
greater demand for high-value products. Aromolaram (2004) posited that shifts
in food consumption patterns tend to vary across countries based on their level
of economic development. He noted that at the highest income levels, per capita
consumption of both cereals and roots and tubers decreased between 1961 and
1981, while consumption of meat products increased substantially. In low income
countries where food security remains a concern despite recent economic gains,
decreases in root and tuber availability were more than offset by dramatic
increases in per capita supply of all other food products.
Related Posts: AGRICULTURE
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