BUJUMBURA, June 2 (ABP) – Pounding cassava leaves has become an income-generating activity for some women in various markets in the city of Bujumbura, a check in the Rubirizi market on Tuesday, May 27 by ABP revealed.
Once considered low-value food and food for the poor in the past, cassava leaves are now among the most admired foods by the people of the Bujumbura municipality. This has encouraged most women from different neighborhoods to buy mortars and engage in pounding these cassava leaves. Upon entering the market, the sound of pestles pounding welcomes you.
According to one of the pounders met on-site: “The activity of pounding these cassava leaves has made me a mother capable of feeding my children, whereas before I had to take a hoe and go look for someone to work for without even hoping to find a job. But today, I just need to take my mortar and pestle. I never lack something to feed my children, and that is the concern of every mother for her children,” testifies Mrs. Adelaïde Ntiranyibagira.
According to one of the customers met at the Rubirizi market who came to have cassava leaves pounded, she told us that at her home, cassava leaf dishes are eaten twice a week because for her, not only are they rich in nutrients, but they are also among the most delicious foods when well prepared. She therefore thanks the women who came to ease their work by pounding these cassava leaves.
“As more and more of us engage in this activity, we are looking for ways to create a cooperative to unite us, in order to see how to combine this cassava leaf pounding activity with the sale of these leaves,” added Mrs. Ntiranyibagira.
Note that pounded cassava leaves can be stored for several days in refrigerators or can be preserved dry.