CASSAVA OPPORTUNTIES IN NIGERIA - FAO.org

continuous supply of high quality, highly educated
and motivated cassava producers and
industrialists for the future. Members of the
Teachers and Nurses Union could help to
facilitate such educational programmes and
rewards. Large industrial users of cassava may
also see the advantages to their companies to be
seen funding and promoting such programmes in
Nigeria.
Membership within such a highly regarded
Cassava Industrial Association may also exact a
cost in terms of maintaining and sustaining the
minimum standard of product quality. For the
betterment of the industry the Association may
choose to insist and enforce a minimum level of
product quality on its members to complement
generic advertising campaigns. When running an
expensive advertising campaign, quality and
delivery of product is all important. If the quality is
not as advertised or not on the shelf as promised,
the costly advertising has been for nothing. A
generic advertising campaign requires sufficient
supplies of the advertising quality of product to
meet anticipated demand. This is particularly
difficult with a highly perishable commodity such
as cassava in the food market. That said if the
product is available and meets its advertised
quality the returns to a generic advertising
campaign is very rewarding.
Outcome 4: Information and Planning
The final outcome suggested from this study is
that of information and planning. Information is the
basis of successful planning. Planning forms the
basis of successful outcomes. Thus a full circle
turn has been made. All the above-mentioned
outcomes must be based on informed decisionmaking
and planning. Planning implies
organization. It implies thinking ahead of what is
needed to be done now to be prepared for the
future. This is what research provides. To many
industrialists, research has little meaning yet they
themselves undertake research (or information
seeking) every day when they plan and make their
decisions about future activities.
As an industry, a minimum amount of respect and
attention must be given to the results and
suggestions from applied research in production,
processing, distribution mechanisms, market
research and product development. Competitive
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funding in support of excellence and innovation
within the cassava industry should be given
priority. The purpose of such funds is to target the
advancement of small, medium and large scale
agricultural activities in cassava production,
marketing and product and human resource
development. The outcome of these funds is to:
increase the sale of locally grown
or processed cassava products;
develop and commercialize
innovative cassava technologies;
develop new uses for cassava;
contribute to the long-term
economic health of cassava
growing communities;
create partnerships within the
cassava subsector and across
sectors;
lead to the long-term
competitiveness of the cassava
industry;
Enhance international and/or
cross-border trade.
The anticipated use of these funds is to support
and encourage market participants and
stakeholders to address and resolve both
anticipated and unanticipated problems as they
arise.
Conclusion
The overriding objective of this study and these
outcomes is to encourage an environment where
industry agents initiate and activate the market
corrections within their power. Each outcome and
activity is suggested in the spirit of providing
positive support to a deserving cassava industry.
By rewarding innovation, efficiency and
excellence in the New Nigerian Cassava Industry,
it is strongly believed that both the human spirit
and domestic economy will be advanced.
Sustainability demands a participatory process,
transparency, relevancy and cost recovery. It is
suggested that each activity follows its own path