Falling demand for cassava leaves Tororo traders in a bind

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Cassava dealers in Tororo are facing a mounting crisis, with falling demand and mounting losses due to a massive oversupply of the crop.

The situation, caused by increased production encouraged by the Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative, has left farmers and traders struggling to find buyers.

For years, cassava, often mixed with millet to form (kalo), has been a staple food, particularly in Tororo, where the Jopadhola and Itesot communities make up a significant portion of the population (609,939 as per the 2024 census, with a 1.7% annual growth rate).

This preference, coupled with a high population density (510.8/km² across 1,194 km²), has driven cassava consumption throughout the district and neighbouring areas, supporting a thriving business.

Previously, low local production kept prices relatively high, with dry cassava chips (odumbi) selling for sh1,500-2,000, and cassava flour (moko) for sh2,500-3,000.

Richard Okongo Okoth, a produce dealer at Mile 2 on Mbale Road, recalled the previous prosperity of the cassava business.

"The business was booming because we imported tons of cassava from Acholi, Lango, Teso, and Busoga. It sold out quickly," he said. But this changed drastically in early 2024.

The situation has worsened dramatically over the past year.

Stephen Olebe, a 77-year-old trader with 17 years of experience in Tororo town, described the current hardship.

"For the last year, we've been struggling to find a market for cassava, whether flour or chips. Almost everyone in the east now has cassava, making it a very challenging product to sell," Olebe said.

Mariam Nyamwenge, another trader, detailed her recent losses: "Just a week ago, I had to give away 10 bags (1 tonne) of cassava flour to malwa brewers for only sh250,000 because it was about to spoil after four months of grinding. We sometimes give flour on credit to restaurants, but even then, we struggle to find buyers. You can sit here all day and not sell a single kilogram."

Farmers across the region share this predicament, with unsold cassava rotting in fields.

The current market prices are extremely low, discouraging continued participation. Dry cassava chips now sell for between sh150-300, while cassava flour fluctuates between sh600-800.

Cassava dealers are demanding government intervention to address the surplus and enhance the value chain.

Olebe stressed the need for research into new cassava products.

"Our government should improve the cassava value chain. It's a major crop in the east (Teso, Bukedi, and Busoga). Our well-paid scientists should research new cassava products to capitalise on this massive production and boost Uganda's trade sector."

Nyamwenge emphasised the importance of value addition and expanding market access.

"We need more value-addition facilities beyond flour production. Connecting us to export markets where cassava demand is higher could help," she pleaded.

In response to these public outcries, Tororo District Local Government has allocated sh3.1 billion in its 2025/2026 budget proposal to enhance production and marketing, and sh151.3 million to support trade, industry, and local development. 

These funds are intended to address issues of market access, farmer education, and value addition.