Cassava is a crucial staple crop in Africa, playing a significant role in food security, economic stability, and rural livelihoods. It is widely cultivated across the continent, particularly in the tropical regions where it thrives due to its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, poor soils, and drought resistance. In Cameroon, cassava cultivation contributes significantly to the country's food security, rural livelihoods, and economy. As one of the top producers of cassava in Africa, Cameroon relies heavily on this crop, which is cultivated across various regions of the country. Different products are obtained from cassava processing which includes; garri, baton de manioc (bobolo), water fufu, cassava flour, starch. Despite all the food related products obtained from cassava, its production and processing pose a significant threat to human, animal and the environment from toxic chemicals release from the cassava if not properly manage. One of the main sources of this toxic chemicals is from the cassava peelings which is usually disposed on farmlands or near water sources by farmers after peeling the cassava tuber. Cassava contains naturally occurring toxic compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, primarily linamarin and lotaustralin which are broken down into hydrogen cyanide (HCN) if cassava is not properly process. These compounds can pose serious health risks if the cassava is not properly processed before consumption. Some of the health risks include; acute cyanide poisoning, konzo due to chronic cyanide exposure, goitre and thyroid dysfunction. The presence of these chemicals is a significant concern for food security, particularly in regions where cassava is a staple food. This project therefore seeks to transform cassava peelings which is considered as a waste from cassava production and processing to useful animal feed for animal husbandry. In order to achieve this, we aimed to work with cassava farmers in Fako and Meme division in the southwest region of the country. This will involved buying and collecting and transporting cassava peelings from farmers farm to the processing site, processing and transformation of the cassava peelings into animal feed, selling of animal feed to farmers engaging in animal husbandry. At the completion and implementation of this project, we expect to have an environment free from wastes containing toxic chemicals that may be hazardous to the environment, animals and humans, farmers generating revenue from environmental waste processing and thus adding to their monthly income in fulfilment of sustainable developmental goal (SDG) 1 of no poverty , farmers engaging in animal husbandry as animal feed will be readily available at a cheaper price hence striving towards attainment of SDG2 of zero hunger, we expect to have a sustainable agricultural system by the removal of toxic chemicals from the environment which could be harmful to soil microorganisms responsible for fixing the soil and ensuring soil fertility. This project is important as it will be a source of revenue generation for farmers as cassava peelings which is considered as waste will be transformed into useful animal feed, it will remove toxic environmental waste as cassava peelings contain cyanogenic glucosides which can be broken down to release hydrogen cyanide which is very toxic and poisonous and could results to food poisoning and water contamination when it infiltrates into nearby water bodies, promote animal husbandry in the communities as the feed produced from the cassava peelings will be readily available as animal feed.

Cassava is the world's fourth most important staple food behind rice, wheat and maize and forms part of the diet of more than a billion people worldwide. Given its resistance to drought and depleted soils and the possibility of planting and harvesting it almost throughout the year, cassava is crucial to food security, especially in areas prone to drought and poor soils. Cassava is Africa's most important tuberous crop. It is an all-year-round cheap and reliable staple food for millions of Africans, making it vital for food security on the continent. Cassava contains naturally occurring toxic compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, primarily linamarin and lotaustralin. These compounds can pose serious health risks if the cassava is not properly processed before consumption. The presence of these chemicals is a significant concern for food security, particularly in regions where cassava is a staple food. Cyanogenic Glycosides in Cassava 1. Linamarin and Lotaustralin: These are the primary cyanogenic glycosides found in cassava. When cassava is consumed raw or inadequately processed, these compounds are broken down into hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a potent toxin. 2. Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN): Hydrogen cyanide interferes with cellular respiration, leading to cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal if consumed in large quantities. Even at lower levels, chronic exposure to cyanide can cause serious health issues. Health Impacts of Cyanide in Cassava 1. Acute Cyanide Poisoning: Symptoms of acute cyanide poisoning include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, respiratory failure, loss of consciousness, and death. This can occur if large amounts of poorly processed cassava are consumed. 2. Chronic Cyanide Exposure: Prolonged exposure to low levels of cyanide can lead to a condition known as Konzo, a neurological disorder characterized by sudden onset of paralysis, particularly in the legs. This condition is prevalent in certain regions of Africa where cassava is a major part of the diet but is not properly detoxified. 3. Goitre and Thyroid Dysfunction: Cyanide exposure from cassava can also affect the thyroid gland, leading to goitre and other thyroid-related issues. This is particularly problematic in areas with low iodine intake, as cyanide inhibits the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland. Problem Statement In Nigeria which is the top leading producer of cassava in Africa, research showed that cassava peelings disposed to the environment lead to environmental contamination with the toxic hydrogen cyanide from the decomposition of the cassava peelings disposed in the environment. Today, communities involved with cassava production have been empowered with technologies and machines that transform cassava peelings into animal feed and this has been a source of revenue to the farmers. Most communities in Cameroon are faced with the challenge of cassava peelings as environmental waste. With the introduction and implementation of project in our communities producing cassava, it will greatly contribute to improving the living standard of the farmers as they will be generating income from the process.

This project seeks to transform cassava peelings which is considered as waste from cassava processing and has been showed to be a threat to food security, human health and the environment due to the toxic chemicals it contains to animal feed which can be use for animal husbandry. - To collect cassava peelings from cassava farmers farm land and transporting it to processing sites. - To transform the peelings in to animal feed both wet and dry animal feed for feeding different animals. - To promote animal rearing among farmers in cassava producing communities. After detoxification, the dried peelings can be ground into a coarse flour or processed into pellets. Pelletizing improves storage and handling, and pellets are easier for animals to consume. Selling of this animal feed to farmers rearing animals will be a good source of income to both the farmers and the cooperative. After grinding, a cassava pellet cake is obtained which can last for seven days and can be use directly in feeding cattle, sheep, goat and pig. To further improve on the shield life of the cassava pellet, the pellet is passed through a sieving machine that loosely separate the pellet into fine small grains. After sieving, the loose grains will be dry using sunlight for three days or in an oven to reduce the moisture content to less than 3% which can last for 4-5 months. Base on the processing we can have a fine mash (using for feeding; poultry, fish and pig) and a coarse mash (use for feeding goat, sheep, cattle and pig).

In Nigeria which is the top leading producer of cassava in Africa, research showed that cassava peelings disposed to the environment lead to environmental contamination with the toxic hydrogen cyanide from the decomposition of the cassava peelings disposed in the environment. Today, communities involved with cassava production have been empowered with technologies and machines that transform cassava peelings into animal feed and this has been a source of revenue to the farmers. Most communities in Cameroon are faced with the challenge of cassava peelings as environmental waste. With the introduction and implementation of project in our communities producing cassava, it will greatly contribute to improving the living standard of the farmers as they will be generating income from the process.