FIIRO partners German firms GIZ, BOSCH on cassava processing 

As part of fulfilling its mandate of rapid industrial acceleration through research and development, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) has entered an agreement with two German companies GIZ and BOSCH.

GIZ, is a green innovation centre for agriculture and food sector and BOSCH is a specialist in the fabrication of power tools, machineries and household equipment.

The agreement will enable FIIRO to the upscale the development of innovative cassava processing technologies to improve income for Nigerian micro, small and medium sized cassava processors and to create additional employment.

Prof. (Mrs) Gloria Elemo, DG, FIIRO who played host to the German firms in FIIRO, Lagos , commended GIZ and BOSCH for the partnership.

Elemo noted that FIIRO has developed over 25 commercilisable products from cassava, adding that the institute has also worked virtually on all agro-commodities available in Nigeria and has developed processing technologies to convert them to shelf stable products thereby reducing post harvest losses in Nigeria.

In his presentation, Harwig Michaelsen, Project Manager, GIZ, stated that the project concept is to develop simple mobile and stationary cassava processing units for both small and medium sized cassava processors, adding that small sized units will comprise of a tricycle with a trailer carrying the basic cassava equipment, mainly the hammer mill, hydraulic press and source of power.
Michaelsen however, presented a draft of operational work plan which was discussed and accepted with input by all parties including responsibilities and obligations of each of the parties.

Francis Omoniyi, Sales Director, West-Africa, BOSCH emphasised the need for effective packaging of products coming out from the processors, such as garri, fufu, starch, flour, etc, adding that BOSCH packaging has adequate capacity in developing packaging solutions and will be a very useful partner in the proposed collaboration.

In a communiqué drafted at the ceremony, it was agreed that FIIRO should design and develop a prototype of Mobile Cassava Processing Unit together with BOSCH packaging in accordance with the technical concept as proposed by GIZ.

The communiqué reads; “FIIRO should provide machinery – Hammer-mill and hydraulic press and adapt to specifications needed; run the lab and field tests needed, run road shows and present the unit at trade fairs together with BOSCH Packaging. To support after sales work, develop innovative machinery package adapted to individual situation of the middle –sized processor together with BOSCH.

“GIZ is to provide technical and managerial capacity development for cassava small holder cooperatives with processing facilities and for SME processing companies selected for the project on training, business skills, strengthening of group formation, training on processing and packaging quality standards and hygiene and support diversification of products.

BIZ will also supply water pumps and tanks for women cooperatives, supply improved energy efficient frying ovens for women cooperatives, introduce waste management strategies on good Agricultural Practice and Famer Business School for smallholder suppliers (out grower members of selected cooperatives and SME).

GIZ is to develop and implement training packages on National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) requirements and standards for middle-sized processor.

Under the agreement BOSCH would provide tricycle, bag sealing machine and trailer chassis for the prototype, run Lab and field tests of equipment, roll-out campaign to win potential operators of the units, assess and advise middle-sized processors on way forward to meet NAFDAC requirements for certification.

BOSCH is to introduce innovative machinery package adapted to individual situation of middle-sized processors, and to ensure absolute compliance with terms, conditions and stipulations of MoU.