MARKET PROSPECTS OF CASSAVA IN NIGERIA’S FOOD SECURITY NEEDS

 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.

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