Public Health Dimensions of Cassava Processing in Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Cassava is a staple food in Eastern Nigeria. Cassava processing is popular and has become a risk factor to human health in the area. The attitudes of the people to cassava processing seem to promote arthropod-vector. activities and could result in public health problems. The study revealed that Culex quinquefasciatus bred in pots of fermenting cassava. This mosquito species could become a potential vector of bancroftian filariasis in the area. Cassava fermentation that is also carried out in streams and riverbanks prolong water contact hours thereby increasing opportunity tbr schistosomiasis infection. Mechanization of cassava processing, and trade on cassava staple, fufu, have provided short cuts in cassava processing, which are known to result in high remaining cyanogens levels in the product consumed, which is harmful. The general epidemiological implications of the use of cassava and its processing in Eastern Nigeria was discussed.