Economic comparison of cassava processing methods in some selected districts of Ghana, Africa

Abstract

Benefit-cost analysis of various cassava processing approaches was conducted to compare their profitabilities both at large and small scale levels. Cassava processors in some selected districts including Awutu - Efutu -Senya in Central, Suhum - Kraboa - Coaltar in Eastern and Ho district in Volta Regions of Ghana were interviewed using participatory rural appraisal and conventional survey methodologies. Production of gari, kokonte, agbelima and high quality cassava flour (HQCF) was found to be profitable at the large scale level. Profitability of gari and agbelima production at the small scale level was location specific, benefit cost ratios for gari production at the small scale level in Suhum – Kraboa - Coaltar, Awutu - Efutu -Senya and Ho Districts were 1.10, 0.95 and 1.06, respectively. Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIP) had impacted positively on cassava processors with an estimated change in processing levels of about 16.7%. For maximum profit margins from cassava processing, the use of improved cassava varieties was recommended. Linkages in the cassava processing industry should also be strengthened for maximum uptake of intermediate products