In Nigeria, Chinimandi reports that cassava prices are soaring as demand increases for ethanol production. Although ethanol uses cassava varieties with high levels of starch rather than the low starch varieties that are used for staple foods, food staples have seen prices rise 50% in recent months along with ethanol feedstock. Farmers are expanding crop areas dedicated to growing cassava for ethanol but even so, prices are pushing basic foodstuffs out of the reach of many families.
Tags: cassava ethanol, Nigeria
Category: Fuels
