Cassava farmers in Tanzania’s coastal regions of Tanga and Pwani are seeing higher incomes and reduced losses following the introduction of modern cassava processing machines, according to a new study published in Science Direct
The study shows that mechanized cassava processing is significantly faster, more profitable, and produces better-quality flour compared to traditional methods such as sun-drying and fermentation.
“Mechanized technologies shorten the drying time from 6–12 days to 1–3 days,” the study notes, highlighting one of the biggest advantages for farmers who often lose fresh cassava to spoilage before it reaches the market.
Cassava is a key food and income crop in Tanzania, but its roots deteriorate quickly often within 48 to 72 hours after harvest. Traditional processing methods are slow and labour-intensive, limiting how much farmers can process and sell. As a result, post-harvest losses have remained a persistent challenge for smallholder farmers.
To address this, new machine including manual chippers, engine-powered chippers, and cassava graters have been introduced in coastal farming communities. The study evaluated their performance by surveying 120 households and conducting machine trials under real farming conditions.
Beyond saving time, mechanized processing also improves product quality. “Mechanized processing improves flour quality, thereby increasing profitability for smallholders and entrepreneurs,” the study states. Higher-quality flour attracts better prices in urban and industrial markets, including Dar es Salaam.
The economic findings were clear: all the machines generated profits. However, the manual chipper emerged as the most suitable option for small-scale farmers. According to the study, “the manual chipper achieved the best cost–benefit balance and highest daily profitability, which makes it a practical choice for small-scale farmers.”
Farmers using manual chippers earned an average profit of about 320 Tanzanian shillings per kilogram of cassava processed. The machine’s low purchase cost and lack of fuel requirements make it accessible to farmers with limited capital.
While engine-powered chippers and cassava graters produced higher total profits over time, their high upfront costs limited their suitability for individual farmers. “The cassava grater achieved the highest absolute returns,” the research found, but added that such machines are better suited for cooperatives or medium-scale processors who can spread costs across higher volumes.
Mechanized processing also reduced food losses substantially. “Processing reduces post-harvest losses often exceeding 20% in fresh roots,” the study reports, with losses falling to nearly half when machines were used.
The researchers argue that wider adoption of cassava mechanization could transform rural livelihoods, but only if farmers receive support. “These findings offer policy pathways to scale adoption through subsidies, co-operative ownership, and credit access,” the study notes.
Experts say government incentives, farmer training, and improved rural infrastructure are critical to expanding the use of cassava machines. Cooperative ownership models, in particular, could help farmers access more expensive equipment.
Image credit: GEMINI