Tropentag, September 18 - 20, 2019 in Kassel "Filling gaps and removing traps for sustainable resources development"

Status of Cassava Value Chains and Commercialisation in Africa: A Systematic Review of Nigeria and Kenya

¹Laikipia University, Kenya
²University of Pretoria, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, South Africa
³Egerton University, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Kenya

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the underutilised tuber crops being promoted because of its potential to address food insecurity and reduce poverty. In Africa, Nigeria is the leading producer of cassava followed by Ghana. In East Africa, cassava is mainly grown in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. In Kenya, production of cassava is concentrated in the arid and semi-arid regions. The prevalence of food insecurity and high poverty levels are high in the mentioned regions. The role of cassava as both a food crop and raw material for industrial uses is increasing in Africa. However, cassava value chains have not performed as expected by the international standards. Therefore, this systematic review aimed at analysing cassava value chains in stimulating commercialisation in Nigeria and Kenya. Articles were searched from six relevant data bases. Additional reports from FAO and World bank were also considered. The articles and reports were reviewed by three independent reviewers for objectivity and inclusiveness. In total, 25 articles were identified. They were further analysed qualitatively by use of Atlas ti. software. According to the findings, cassava value chain present numerous market opportunities, yet, the chains are still underdeveloped and inefficiently organised. In Nigeria, the demand for cassava products both locally and internationally has increased. Interventions such as import substitution policies have promoted the use of cassava flour and other derivatives. Though, the growth was experienced after the initiation of the initiative, this later on declined because of the slow growth in the market side. In Kenya, cassava sub-sector is dominated by a few players mainly farmers, traders and consumers. Value chain activities are poorly coordinated and with weak linkages of the actors. Production of cassava is mainly for household consumption with minimal commercialisation activities. In both cases, policies that can stimulate cassava market demand are very important. Involving other stakeholders is equally important as it gives a holistic approach to value chain development. The review revealed that research institutions have produced knowledge that is beneficial to the different actors along the cassava value chain. However, research output has not been practically and economically used.

Keywords: Cassava, commercialisation, systematic review, value chain

Contact Address: Florence Achieng' Opondo, Laikipia University, Laikipia, Kenya, e-mail: fopondolaikipia.ac.ke