Production of Gari

Source:  http://www.smallstarter.com/browse-ideas/agribusiness-and-food/gari-and-cassava-production

In this next article,we shall talk about gari as a business. Therefore,we will be looking at how gari is produced for both the internal use (local market) and the external use( international market)

  Local Production

 An important factor in the gari business is the nearness of the cassava source to  a gari processing location. This is because, if the cassava is not processed within 48 to 72 hours, that is within two to three days after harvesting, the cassava may start to spoil. Therefore,if the cassava is even not closer to the site of processing, an available transportation to the place on time must be assured

A second factor in gari production is that it can be a very manual process and the required labour or workforce is readily available and not expensive, especially if the workers have foreknowledge of making gari. This traditional, manual way of making gari is however considered  very laborious as said in this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArF1HjWh1U8

 Moreover,Gari that is not properly processed (especially by manual methods), may not last long in storage due to its high moisture (water) content. Therefore, choose to sell the finished product as soon as it is bagged and ready. On the contrary, if moisture content in the finished product can be kept very low (using machine production), gari is known to last up to a year in storage and will command very good prices in the market during non-harvest periods. It is therefore wise to invest in cassava processing machinery to save a lot of costs and improve the quality of  gari. Several machines including Cassava graters, Fermentation racks, Hydraulic presses, Automatic Garri Fryers and Vibrating Sieves are available and can make the production process less tiring and economical.

 For any entrepreneur to favourably exploit the opportunities in the gari market, he/she may also have to invest in cultivating the cassava crop on his/her own farm. However,if he/she is sure of a steady and very cheap supply of the fresh cassava tubers,then he/she likely to succeed without owning a cassava farm.Gari (also Garri or tapioca) is the most widely traded processed cassava product. It is estimated that more than 75 percent of the cassava produced in Africa is processed into gari. As a result, gari prices are often an indication of the demand  for cassava.However, the price of cassava has risen sharply in the past few years.The population growth in Africa has made it difficult to produce enough cassava to feed many ‘common’ Africans, despite the favourable climate, fertile soils and cheap manpower. Africa is yet to fully exploit the huge income generated from the global cassava trade.Due to the very short life, that is 2-3days of harvested cassava tubers,bad roads and power infrastructure, most of the cassava produced in Africa is consumed locally, because it is still unable to meet the growing consumption rate. As a result, a lot of the cassava harvested every year in Africa become spoilt and never get to the market. This wastage is estimated to be worth millions of dollars every year .The annual consumption of gari in West Africa is valued at several million dollars (annually) and is expected to grow with the population growth in the region. For as long as a large part of the population in the region remains virtually poor, gari will continue to be the preferred food product for many years to come. Gari has several ways of being enjoyed in Africa and is prepared in many ways across cultures and countries. It is enjoyed and consumed by both rich and poor.

Cassava is highly adaptable to Africa’s tropical climate and soils, and remains very popular for producing excellent harvests even when other crops fail. Cassava is also the most widely available source of carbohydrates and dietary energy in Africa. Processed forms of cassava, especially Gari, fufu and tapioca, are very common throughout West Africa. Gari is very popular in the region as it has traditionally remained cheaper than other carbohydrate sources, especially rice and maize.

International Production

The UK and the USA are the largest markets for exported gari because of the huge number of West Africans living there. However, there are very strict laws on exporting food products to these countries. thus, most exporters of gari have to transact with middlemen who already have licenses and meet the strict import demands of the UK and USA border authorities.The gari producer must note all these and prepare.It is also important to note that processed cassava (especially gari) is available in several different varieties. Be sure that your finished gari product appeals to the taste and tradition of your target market. Gari in Ghana may look and taste different from Nigerian or Togo gari. Even within our different countries, there are still many different types, shades and flavours of gari.The growing economy of China has made it the largest buyer of African cassava, which it uses to feed livestock (cattle, pigs etc.). China is currently responsible for more than 60 percent of global cassava consumption, and is still buying more from Africa (especially Nigeria).The estimated value of the global cassava trade is in excess of US$2 billion annually. However, Thailand, Brazil and Indonesia dominate the international trade in cassava. Some of the places to buy gari on the internet include http://gh.tradeford.com/gari,  http://www.alibaba.com/countrysearch/GH/gari-supplier.html etc.  Read more on gari production and selling at http://www.alibaba.com/countrysearch/GH/gari.html and  http:/www.smallstarter.com/browse-ideas/agribusiness-and-food/gari-and-cassava-production.