Economics of root crop processing and utilization in Africa. A challenge for Research

Processing and utilization are defined to cover a wide range of post-harvest activities in cassava (Manihot esculenta) and yams (Dioscorea spp.). Time-series data from various sources, par- ticularly infomation generated from root and tuber crops studies conducted in south-east Nigeria in 1984-85, form the basis of this paper. Storage losses in yam, dormancy in seed yam. instability in supply and demand for cassava, localized markets for cassava products which are differentiated by customs and preferences, and the high cost of cassava processing by traditional methods are highlighted as major economic issues in post-harvest activities in both crops. Directions of research efforts which could resolve some of these issues are also discussed.