LIMPOPO – Changa Mathebula, a cassava farmer from Deerpark in Tzaneen, is advocating for the commercialisation of cassava in South Africa.

Mathebula is the chairperson of the Farmers Business Cooperative (Fabco), a farming cooperative that aims to combat hunger and poverty by promoting cassava and restoring it to what the cooperative believes is its rightful place as a preferred staple starch in southern Africa.

A crop that feeds millions

Cassava is one of the world’s major sources of carbohydrates, after rice and maize, particularly in tropical regions.

It is widely consumed in countries such as Mozambique, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi.

Research confirms viability

Fabco took part in an extensive research and trial programme conducted by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) to assess whether commercial trading of cassava would be viable in South Africa.

According to Mathebula, the results of the research were positive, and while government is in the final stages of its survey, he and other farmers decided to proceed with commercialisation after seeing the crop’s potential benefits.

From farm to product

As a result, Mathebula has begun manufacturing a range of cassava-based products, including:

• Baking flour
• Porridge powder
• Health capsules
• Several other value-added items

Why cassava?

He says cassava is more than just another starch, noting that it offers greater health benefits compared to many other staples.

Cassava is:

• Rich in vitamin C, protein and iron
• Requires less water and fewer agro-chemicals
• Needs reduced labour and minimal mechanisation
• Delivers higher yields

Beyond the dinner table

In addition to being used as a staple food, cassava can be prepared as a snack and processed into animal feed, beverages, alcohol and biogas.

Training and support available

Mathebula also provides training to farmers interested in starting cassava production.

Those wishing to order cassava products or learn more can contact him via WhatsApp on 067 376 4809.