RICE AND CASSAVA PROCESSING INNOVATIONS FOR GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN NIGERIA.

Abstract

This review explores Rice and Cassava processing innovations for global food security and rural livelihoods in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to; examine recent advancements in rice processing technologies in Nigeria, assess recent advancements in cassava processing technologies in Nigeria and analyze innovations in rice and cassava storage and their implications for food security and rural livelihoods. The review of literature highlighted Innovations in Milling and Quality Controlsuch as Satake and Zaccaria, which show varying results depending on rice cultivar and moisture content. Also, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) is transforming rice quality prediction. Hybrid deep learning models, supported by Explainable AI (XAI) methods like SHAP and Grad-CAM, have achieved remarkable accuracy, outperforming traditional architectures in classifying rice grain quality. On Mechanization and Efficiency Improvements, Grating machines demonstrate efficiencies ranging from 91.56% to 97% and capacities between 60–500 kg/h. Flash dryer systems also mark a major innovation in cassava processing, significantly improving food safety and product quality during the drying of starch and flour. On Strategies for Post-Harvest Loss Reduction, the study reviewed that farmers and processors have adopted a variety of technologies to reduce PHL, including the use of mechanical driers, metallic silos, root choppers, shellers, specialized storage structures, and tarpaulins. The study concludes that widespread adoption of these technologies continues to be hindered by high costs, weak policy support, and the need for context-specific designs. The study recommends that strengthening market linkages, improving logistics, and encouraging value addition can create a more resilient and competitive rice and cassava value chain.