The commercialization of cassava in Sierra Leone, involves mainly processing it into Garri and Fufu, which are major food commodities. Nigeria is the leading producer and biggest market in Africa, but it must import to meet its food needs. Sierra Leone has considerable surplus and much of the crop produced can be processed into exportable material.
At the international level, cassava and cassava products are utilized in the production of cassava flour and cassava leaves for human and animal feed; the production of starch and in several industrial uses, such as ethanol (bio-fuel), confectionary, sweeteners, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, bio-degradable materials, plywood, paper and textile.
Based on the 2004 figures, Moyamba district out of the total 14 districts contributes about 10% of the cassava that is produced annually in Sierra Leone, it is estimated that about one-third is consumed on the farm and one-third is currently being processed into Garri and, fufu for the local market. Thus about 1/3rd is available for other needs locally and internationally. In Sierra Leone, cassava is now more than a food crop; it is now the main cash crop in many communities. AUGMAC Farms (SL) Limited works with local farmers in Taiama, Kori Chiefdom, Moyamba district to engage in production and processing of cassava into high quality Garri for over seven million Sierra Leoneans, the grooming of local farmers in the art of responsible production and consumption pattern; and the recovery of starch from extract in a production process that leaves behind 0% waste!
