Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Project White Gold, the first cassava value chain in SA, launched in KwaZulu-Natal
This new project aims to bring economic and social transformation to rural areas, writes Jyothi Laldas.
The establishment of a sustainable cassava industry in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by AVCO Foods is making its mark in agriculture as one of the largest industries of its kind in Africa.
Project White Gold, launched by AVCO co-founders Zin Mabaso and Markus Fröhlich in the uMkhanyakude District in KZN, leverages their more than 25 years in agro-processing and more than seven years of combined experience in cassava operations across Africa.
Spearheading the local cassava value chain, they aim to cultivate up to 10 000ha of land and substitute up to 20 000t of imported starch annually. According to Mabaso, AVCO Foods’ true passion lies in economic and social transformation.
“Project White Gold brings economic and social transformation to the rural communities of northern KZN. By establishing cassava production on this land, the project will bring life to the community while growing the local economy by an estimated R900 million per year.”
Fröhlich said South Africa imported up to 20 000t of starch each year. By localising the farming and processing of cassava, Project White Gold would trigger large-scale social and economic transformation into uMkhanyakude, the second poorest district in KZN.
The project would cultivate up to 10 000ha of land, applying regenerative agricultural principles, he said.
“It will build a zero-waste, autonomous, green energy cassava processing factory, and an agripreneurial training centre will capacitate talented local subsistence farmers to become commercial farmers.
“We believe that, through local production and processing of cassava, South Africa can not only reduce its dependence on tapioca starch imports, but also become a formidable player on the global market,” said Fröhlich.
Mabaso added that the local cassava value chain would provide market access for subsistence farmers, employment opportunities for women and youth, and training for agripreneurs. “Through shareholding in the farming company, the project creates meaningful participation for the local community of uMkhanyakude.”
It sought to expand into the global tapioca market, enhancing South Africa’s economic standing on the international stage: “The White Gold project is a catalyst for economic opportunities and social inclusion in rural KZN. By establishing a vibrant cassava industry, the project creates jobs, develops skills, and uplifts marginalised communities. Through meaningful stakeholder participation and a market-led approach, the project ensures equitable benefits and sustainable growth. White Gold exemplifies how inclusive and resilient value chains can drive change and transform the lives of people in economically disadvantaged areas.” Botanically identified as
Manihot Esculenta, cassava is recognised by various names such as tapioca and manioc.
The root crop shares similarities with other starch-rich crops like potatoes, flourishing in subtropical climates. Cassava distinguishes itself through its adaptability to climate change, high yield and resilience to drought.
According to Mabaso, cassava stands out as a robust, easily cultivated, lowinput, and high-starch tuber plant. “In Africa, it typically yields twice as much starch per hectare as maize on average. Notably, cassava cultivation does not foster dependence on seed companies; instead farmers can use stem material from the previous harvest to plant their subsequent crops.
“Cassava is a gluten-free, GMO-free starch, offering a healthier alternative to wheat and corn. Tapioca starch is also said to be a source of resistant starch that supports gut health and stabilises the blood sugar, giving long-lasting satiety.”
Mabaso said in the food and beverage industry, tapioca starch offered versatile applications in processed meats, bread, ice-cream, dairy products, desserts, biscuits, noodles, pasta, snacks and gluten-free flour mixes.
“These qualities make cassava appealing to the fast-growing category of eco-friendly health products, while its binding and texture improvement capabilities make it a valuable ingredient in enhancing product quality and shelf life. Additionally, the brewing industry can explore the potential of tapioca starch in crafting unique beers and alcoholic beverages that cater to evolving consumer preferences,” she added.