In a small farming village in Southern Kaduna, a group of women gathers around a fire, stirring a large pan filled with golden granules. It looks like ordinary gari—but it’s not. This is Sweet Potato Gari, a nutritious innovation slowly finding its place on the plates and in the pockets of rural farmers and urban families alike.

At Uli Empowerment Initiative, we’re passionate about uncovering opportunities where others see challenges. In today’s economic downturn, food inflation, and rising unemployment in Nigeria, agricultural entrepreneurship has become more than just a means of survival—it’s a tool for transformation.

🍠 What Makes Sweet Potato Gari So Special?

Most people are familiar with gari made from cassava. It’s a staple food, loved for its convenience and energy content. But Sweet Potato Gari—especially when made from orange-fleshed sweet potatoes—offers something more: nutrition.

Unlike cassava, sweet potatoes are naturally rich in Vitamin A (beta-carotene), which is crucial for child development, immune health, and vision. They also contain more fiber, iron, and antioxidants, making this version of gari both healthier and more suitable for combating malnutrition in vulnerable communities.

It’s a superfood that grows in our backyard.

💡 A Hidden Market Opportunity

Surprisingly, Sweet Potato Gari is still relatively unknown in many Nigerian markets. That’s not a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity.

In urban centers, demand is growing for healthier, naturally fortified foods. School feeding programs and NGOs working on child nutrition are looking for local, nutrient-dense alternatives to traditional staples. Diaspora markets abroad are eager for African superfoods.

The best part? Sweet potatoes mature quickly—often in just 3 to 4 months. That means faster harvests, multiple cycles per year, and higher income potential for smallholder farmers.